Misunderstanding

By Louise Norlie

Kelly pulled into the most convenient parking spot at the store, her car radio blasting. She reapplied her lipstick and combed her beautiful blonde tresses.

She saw an elderly woman in an adjacent car scrutinize her with a sharp glare of disapproval. The woman charged into the store in an angry huff.

An unexpected cell phone call from a friend delayed her exit from the vehicle.

As soon as she finished her conversation, she noticed the elderly woman bustling toward her, leading a middle-aged man of harried appearance.

The woman rapped at the window with her cane.

“You can’t park there. You young whippersnappers think you can come and walk all over us. You have no respect for our rights!” she ranted into the open car window.

“I am afraid I am going to have to ask you to move. This is handicapped parking only,” the man chided.

Without saying a word, Kelly reached for her handicapped parking placard and hung it around the rearview mirror. She pointed to her wheelchair next to her.

The woman looked appalled.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize,” she said, backing away in shock.

The store manager flushed with embarrassment.

“Please accept my apologies. It was just a misunderstanding. Is there any way I can be of help to you today?”

“No thanks. I can manage on my own.”

And she did.