Three stories - part 2 and 3
Story 2 - Old lady at Bartell’s who sits at the checkout window in downtown Seattle
I had a minor cold and went to Bartell’s to grab some over the counter medication. After getting a hold of all the things I wanted, I moved to the checkout window. There was an old lady at the counter wearing a simple grey top and loose pants. She looked content and had a happy smile on her face. She also wore a necklace and small earrings that looked circular in shape. I couldn’t help but also notice the ring she was wearing on her left hand. It looked like a small solitaire diamond but I wasn’t sure if it was real or not, not that it mattered. But it looked good on her. While she was scanning the things I bought, I broke a small conversation appreciating the ring on her hand. She thanked me and said, “my husband gave it to me.” There was a pause for a couple of seconds and then she asked me if I have ever bought such a ring for a woman. It made me chuckle and I told her that I have not. If I recall correctly, she then said something along the lines of, “it’s a great feeling to have when you find the right person to give the ring to”. I smiled, nodded in agreement, thanked her again, and went home with the medicines.
Story 3 - Two ladies, me, and flowers in my building elevator
I bought some flowers from Seattle’s Sunday Pike market. They sell a really good bunch for 20 bucks. I walked back with the flowers in my hand admiring the colours and being happy with my purchase. Clearly, I was content with my choice. I got into my building and pressed the button to wait for the elevators. A couple of older ladies were also waiting to get into the elevators along with me. One of the elevators came, all of us got in, and pressed the button for our respective floors, which happened to be the top floors of the building. The door closed and the elevator started ascending. One of the older ladies immediately broke a conversation by looking at the flowers and then at me, gave me a smile, and said, “Must be a really special lady to get those flowers”. I was taken a bit by surprise since I was not expecting to engage in small talk but soon realized the situation and what she meant. I smiled, and said, “Yeah, these are really pretty flowers, no?” The second lady nodded her head and joined the conversation by telling me that “It is a good choice. All women love flowers!” I nodded in agreement, and by this time the elevator reached my floor. I thanked the ladies, wished them a good day, and got out. In my head though, I was appreciating my choice even more in picking the flowers I picked. The flowers that I got for no one but myself. Now I know how Miley Cyrus felt when she sang “Flowers”.