Aunty Acid by Ged Backland for April 05, 2024

Lo n g story! Hats Off To Kind Words

work at a tiny kiosk that sells convenience items like snacks, magazines, drinks, etc. We’re located next to a bus stop that gets us a decent amount of traffic.

For the last few weeks, at specific times throughout the week, I have noticed two women at the bus stop at the same time. They’re a little older, wearing very nice coats and large puffy hats, even though it’s a little warm.

Since in my part of the US, buses are unreliable and irregular, they can sometimes be sat there for over half an hour, so I decide to strike up a conversation with them.

Me: “Wow, ladies, I just wanted to say that I love how you rock those fabulous hats! I’ve seen you here for a few weeks now, and every week it’s so impressive.”

They both smile at me and thank me for my kind words. They both start talking among themselves, keeping me included.

Old Lady #1: “I’m lucky my husband bought me such nice hats on our travels. You see, I take this bus each week to go to the hospital because…”

She takes off her hat to reveal a bald head.

Old Lady #1: “…I’m doing the chemo. I’m a bit self-conscious.”

Old Lady #2: Eyes go wide “Oh, my God!”

She takes off her hat, also revealing a bald head.

Old Lady #2: “Me, too! Are you with Dr. [Name]?”

Old Lady #1: “Yes! I am! How have I not seen you before?”

Old Lady #2: “I usually try to keep my head down when I go in. Some weeks I feel really terrible and I don’t really pay attention to my surroundings.”

Old Lady #1: “Yes, it’s the same with me!”

They carry on like this, comparing “chemo notes” and chatting away, so intently involved in their conversation that I have to shout to them that their bus has arrived.

The next week, they’re both back, except they’ve arrived together and their conversation sounds like it hasn’t stopped since the previous week. They’re making in-jokes, talking about their late husbands, their children and grandchildren, etc. Finally, they remember I am there!

(Contd)