Usually, I find it easy to wait. I'm not in any hurry, and I almost always have a paperback book with me. Today, however, is tough.
I had an ultrasound done last week at my doctor's request, just to check on a couple of other internal organs that might be affected by the immuno-suppressants I take. I was told that the results would be evaluated and sent to my doctor within 24 hours. Unfortunately, the test was on Friday, and the 24 hours mentioned were "business hours". Saturday wasn't bad, but I didn't sleep well last night and I woke up early this morning definitely out-of-sorts. Plus, I don't know what my doctor's office hours are today so I don't know when I might hear.
It was a nice morning, and thinking to take my mind off of this, I decided to get a hair cut. My barber opens at 8:00, so I drove to the middle of town and parked in the municipal lot. As I walked towards Main Street, I passed this guy in the yard of a Slovak church, pruning the trees and bushes. He was whistling away, happily.
I got to the shop, but the barber had one guy in the chair, and three others waiting already. At maybe 8:15. On a Monday morning. Ridiculous. Today, I was in no mood to wait. I turned around and headed back to my car.
As I came up towards the Slovak church again, I could hear the tree-pruner still whistling. Now, it bothered me. I looked around. No one else was out. I came up on the tree-pruner from behind with the Flasher in my hand.
Point, press, Flash.
I kept walking to the municipal lot, got in my car, and drove away. I was feeling a little better.
I needed gas, so I headed for this no-name station that I use. The gas there is usually cheaper. When I got there, there was no waiting so I pulled up on the side closest to the street, with my passenger side to the pump. I could see the attendant sitting at the desk in the office. It didn't look to be my regular guy. I got out of my car, and waited for him to come out.
And I waited.
I knew he's seen me, because we made eye contact. He was just taking his time - and wasting mine. I was not in the mood for this.
Finally, he came out, and he filled my tank.
I got back in my car, rolling the passenger side window down. When he was finished, he bent down into my car and I paid and thanked him. He just sort of sneered at me, but that was OK because...
Point, press, Flash...
I was ready for him. He slumped down between my car and the pump. There was no one around to see, and I drove off.
I had some food shopping to do, and since I prefer the self-check-out lanes, I didn't have any more waiting to do. The day was brightening, with a nice breeze. I decided to drive to Johnson Park on the Peninsula and just gather my thoughts.
It was quiet there. Joggers passed by as I sat on a bench looking out over the bay. I felt myself calming down. I'd be able to wait for the doctor's call now.
Then I heard her.
she was sitting on one of the walls, at some distance from me, but she was talking on her phone to someone in as loud a voice as possible. I couldn't quite hear what she was saying, but it didn't matter.
The shrillness of her voice was enough to ruin this peaceful setting. I got up and headed back to my car. I detoured slightly so that I would pass her on my right.
There was no one else in this side of the park. As I passed..
Point, press, Flash..
and she tumbled backwards off the wall.
I got back in my car and headed home. I'd watch some TV, eat lunch, and maybe take a nap.
And wait for my test results.
