Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Hospitality (02/07/05)
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TITLE: Marketplace Grace | Previous Challenge Entry
By Suzanne Shepard
02/10/05 -
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Elsa drove to the local market where she frequently stopped for milk. Today, she pulled up to the white, clap-board store and wondered how she was going to manage to get her needs met.
You see, Elsa was on her first trip outside after her week stay at the hospital. She was feeling okay, but her left knee was a bit swollen and walking was quite a hurtful task. Occasionally, a sharp pain would sail up her leg and bring her to a sudden halt. She would then have to remain still until the pain subsided. Doctor Mac warned her that healing would come, but she was going to have to be patient.
Getting old has not been a pleasant experience this past year, to say the least.
From inside the little market, Sarah could see Ms. Elsa pull her burgundy Cruiser up to the center pump. She waited as she watched for Elsa to get out of her car. She was anxious to say hello, as it had been a couple weeks since she remembered seeing her favorite customer. But, looking closer, Sarah could see that something was not quite right. Grabbing her fleece sweater, Sarah said with haste, “Mary, will you take over for a second while I go see Ms. Elsa?”
“Sure thing, Sarah,” Mary replied. The two girls worked well together, they both enjoyed their jobs and covering for each other was a frequent thing between the two of them.
As she approached Ms. Elsa’s car, Sarah heard the hum of the electric window being turned down.
Smiling graciously, Elsa leaned toward the opened window and greeted Sarah with a warm smile.
“Oh Sarah,” she said wistfully, “How did you know I needed help today, dear?”
“Well, Ms. Elsa, you didn’t bounce right out of your car like usual, and you had a bit of a frown on your face. And that’s not like you. What’s up little lady?” She asked playfully.
“Well dear, I just had surgery on my left knee last week and I’m not getting around as quickly as I’d like. Getting old and falling apart a bit, I guess.”
“Well, don’t you worry about a thing, Ms. Elsa, I’ll be happy to help you. What do you need today?”
“You are such a sweetheart, Sarah! I tell you, I do need to fill up my gas tank and I really wanted to get a few things in the store, if you don’t mind.”
“I’d love to help you. You tell me, and whatever it is you need, I’ll get it for you.”
“What kind of gas did you want, Elsa?”
“Just the regular, I guess, dear. And fill it to the top. Prices are down a bit today, so I might as well get it filled up.”
Sarah set the nozzle on “automatic” while she grabbed the squeegee and cleaned the Cruiser’s windows.
“Oh my, I get full service today, too? This is great! Maybe I should act crippled more often,” she giggled.
The pump handle clicked and snapped loudly, indicating that the tank was full. Sarah finished wiping the streaked glass and approached the driver’s window.
“There, you are all filled up, Ms. Elsa, what else can I get for you? Did you need some milk today?”
“Yes dear, I would. You know the kind I like.”
“Yes ma’am – it’s “Whole” or nothing, as you always say.”
That brought the beautiful smile that Sarah was used to seeing and the twinkle in Ms. Elsa’s sky blue eyes.
“That’s right dear, you remember well. I also need a loaf of wheat bread, if you have any and if I had a dozen of your brown eggs, then I’ll be all set for breakfast tomorrow morning. Would you be able to get all that for me?”
“Sure thing – is there anything else?”
“No, that’ll be quite enough. Here is my check card. You can put it all on there and perhaps you could bring it outside for me to sign?’
“You got it! Hang on; I’ll be back in a flash!”
As Sarah danced her way back inside the store, Ms. Elsa sighed. Smiling to herself she waited for Sarah to return. This is why I love to come to this place, Elsa thought to herself. They always make me feel like I am someone special each time I stop in. It’s hard to find that kind of hospitality in the marketplace these days.
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