I know a lot of short stories (or even longer ones) have come from a little tit-bit of overheard conversations, so it's always good to have an ear out!
Anyway, this is one I heard the other day at the supermarket:
Checkout lady says to customer:
"Hello, Happy New Year!"
Grumpy Old Man:
"Yes, Happy New Year." (Said without feeling)
Checkout Lady:
"Did you have a good time?"
Grumpy Old Man:
"No"
Checkout Lady:
"Oh, that's a shame."
Grumpy Old Man
"Yes we went away."
Checkout Lady:
"Oh, that's nice."
Grumpy Old Man
"Not really, there was only a double bed in out hotel room."
Checkout Lady (Looking a little wary):
"Oh." (Meaning, please don't tell me any more)
Grumpy Old Man:
"Well I don't like sharing a bed, the wife takes up most of it, so I couldn't sleep."
Checkout Lady (trying to be positive):
"Aw.Well at least you got away for a little break."
Grumpy Old Man:
"Well, it was a waste of time, I put up with it for two nights, then we came home early."
Checkout Lady:
"Oh dear." (What else to say? She didn't want to sympathise)
Thankfully he was done then with his shopping and was on his merry way . The poor lady on the checkout looked at me as if to say, "I wish I hadn't asked!"
I mean, his poor wife! Imagine a husband announcing such a thing, his wife's holiday is cut short because he doesn't want to sleep next to her!
What a grump. He made Victor Meldrew look like a charming romantic.
I hope your' new year is off to a better start! :)
To be fair, you haven't seen his wife. Maybe he's a saint to put up with her and the supermarket is his only respite. Then again, maybe he's just an grumpy old so and so.
ReplyDeletemood
Hi
DeleteYes, that crossed my mind, but....no he was grumpy! :)
Thank you for sharing this lovely exchange, penandpaints.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing, the personal details people tell to strangers! And it's also amazing how negative and miserable people are too. I think supermarket cashiers should all write books about these sorts of encounter. They must hear so many stories every day.
When I worked in retail, I should have kept a note of all the odd things I was told. Now that I am at home writing, I don't often get to hear these lovely snippets!
Hi Joanna, just lately I seem to have come across some very negative people. Maybe it's the time of year and the lack of sunshine?
DeleteMy daughter works in a shop and she always has little anecdotes, I tell her to write them down, I'm sure she could write a book!
Oh dear, I found myself feeling sorry for his wife!
ReplyDeleteThese snippets really do get you thinking don't they :-) x
They really do! :)
DeleteWe went away for New Year and my poor husband had to sleep next to me so I'm hoping the grumpy chap didn't look like a photographer.
ReplyDeleteHi, No I'm pretty sure you're ok, Patsy :)
DeleteHahahah, to be fair I guess it must be hard if your SO bed hogs. I am a bed hogger. I sympathise with bed hogees the world over.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he was probs juuuust grumppyy though. ;-)