There she was, sitting on a stool, her weathered face looked tired, downcast and anxious. She seems to age overnight since the last I saw her. Perhaps looking eighty instead of seventy. As I neared the shop, I saw the display of clothing for sale more clearly. The shop frontage were laid with the full range of clothes for the 28 deg celcius weather. The clothing store was packed with new year shoppers.
It was the first day of new year at 8 pm. As I approached, her tensed face brightened up and her eyes showed real anxiety as if to tell us “Thank god, you’re here!”. In fact, that was precisely why I came looking for her. She had earlier spoken through the phone. ”Please come quickly! I had been retained. I was accused of not paying!” she had sounded frightened.
As I reached her, the store manager approached in a fierce stance. In a very experienced manner, he urshered me to the back of the shop. I followed. After explaining the whole episode in an authoritative tone, he said, “My shop assistant had watched her and we’re quite certain that she stole!” I was saddened, knowing the sequence of difficulties that she went through recently and had enquired: “Could you explored whether she could have forgotten to pay, rather than don’t pay?” Afterall, she had been through very difficult times when her husband was down with cancer and experiencing period of sleepness nights. She also had a forgetfulness medical condition. Financially, she could easily afford to pay.
I pleaded, explained and repeated “Please consider her background and explored whether she could possibly have forgotten to pay, rather than not pay?” Finally, after consulting his assistant he responded. “Considering her age and circumstances, please pay for the item and let’s forget about this matter!”. It was a tremendous relief for her then. She had thanked the store manager profusely. I paid for the item and we left the shop.
My thoughts went to her. I’m glad that the situation closed in this manner. I’ve not doubted her honesty because of her staunch religious belief and community service dedication. She had mentioned that she had forgotten to pay. But life has a way of making her pay for the situation. The anxiety that she experienced over the two hours of detention and what could happened next would have been her punishment for being forgetful.
This episode was timely at the start of the year in reminding me to be mindful of things in 2008 as we go about handling our daily chores especially in the midst of difficult times. A moment of forgetfulness could result in a doubt being cast on us.
I agree – Life has a way of making us pay. I’m thinking of natural consequences. Far to often people think that they can rattle off a quick I’m sorry or talk their way out of a problem. But there are still consequences for the innocent and the guilty.
What we feel is we should think before what we are going to do,which aregoing to affect others.
At least the situation got resolve. But people are too quick to judge but I hope not all of us are like that.
Reflective reminder for 2008. Knee-jerk judgment has surely been evident this last decade. Thanks for the post!
You know this is a very powerful and touching story.
I am glad that all worked out, not all are as forgiving or understanding.
May we all learn from this.
Powerful post! As a senior citizen I can relate to an increase in forgetfulness!
Oh, and I am so forgetful! What a great reminder, also, not to judge and assume things.
Very moving post.
Very intense post for me. I had such a strong sense of remorse for the woman who had “forgotten to pay”. As I read I could feel the emotions strenght through the words. Well done.
Wow… this was pretty powerful for me! I had much empathy for the woman and her friend/family member.