A conversation between a mother, a teenage son and a chatty woman.

Mother and son enter into the grocery store.  Son reaches for a grocery cart.

“We don’t need a cart today.” – Mother

“What?  You always get a cart, Mom.” – Old Boy

“I know, but not today.  We are running late and I only need two things.  No goofing around and no requests for junk, got it?” – Mother

“Mom, I don’t goof around in the grocery store.” – Old Boy

“But you do throw junk into the cart without me looking.” – Mother

Mother and son walk to dairy section of store.

“We need milk…oh no.” – Mother

Mother looks straight ahead.  Mother grabs son by the arm and pulls him down paper products aisle.

“Ouch.  Mom, what are you doing?  Why did you drag me over here? What about the milk” – Old Boy

“We have to get out of here.  Ol’ Chatty Cathy is here.  If she spots me we are doomed.  She never stops talking.” – Mother

“Aunt Cathy is here?” – Old Boy

“Of course not.  Come on.  We have to leave now.” – Mother

Mother scampers quickly down the aisle and heads for the wine section.

“I thought we were leaving?” – Old Boy

“We can’t leave without getting wine.  I will grab it quick and we will leave.” – Mother

“We’re not getting milk, but we are getting wine?” – Old Boy

“Yes.” – Mother

Mother grabs cheap bottle of wine quickly runs to checkout stand.  Mother stands in line with son at checkout and takes a deep breath.

“We made it.  Free from Big Mouth.” – Mother

“Hi Nate.” – Chatty Woman

“Oh S&%$.” – Mother

Mother turns around and sees Chatty Woman standing behind her.  Mother smiles and says hello.  Mother quickly pays for wine and heads for the door.  Mother hears Chatty Woman calling to her.  Mother looks back and sees Chatty Woman chasing after her.

“Wait, wait.  Nate, I haven’t seen you forever.  How are you?” – Chatty Woman

“Oh hi.  Fine, fine.  We are in a hurry though.  Can’t really catch up now.” – Mother

Mother looks at son motions with her head to keep walking.

“Oh I know what you mean I am so busy these days myself.  Did I tell you I have a new job?  Or not really a new job, but I am working in a different department so it kind of feels like a new job.  I like it, but miss my friends in the other department.  The work is about the same and so is the pay.  I was hoping it would be a career advancement, but it is more of a lateral move.  I should be lucky to have a job.  I know so many people who are out of work.  My brother’s wife lost her job and now is home full-time with the kids.  She hates it.  I don’t have kids, but I don’t understand why she hates it so much.  Kids can be hard, but…” – Chatty Woman

Twenty minutes later mother and son arrive at car.  Mother and son open car doors and sit down.  Mother takes a long, slow, deep breath.

“Wow.  That lady can talk.  She doesn’t even come up for air.” – Old Boy

“I told you.  Next time I see her in the store I am walking out without the wine.  Although after seeing her I am glad I have the wine.” – Mother

“By the way, nice job swearing.” – Old Boy ( laughing)

“Some things are beyond my control.” – Mother