Copyright © 2007 John Lindal. All rights reserved.
The two girls in front of me in the checkout line were stunningly beautiful. All dolled up, as if they were going to their Senior Prom or something. The tall, slender types that look especially good in heels because their shins have that slight curve that blends perfectly with the curve of the foot so your eye doesn't notice until it hits the knee, and by that time, you're going way too fast to stop.
I couldn't help but ask, What are a couple of beautiful girls like you doing at a ratty Vons like this at this time of day?
They smiled at me.
We're escorts. You look like you could use a little company.
No thank you. I'm married.
And what does that have to do with anything?
Maybe nothing for some people, but for me, it's a very serous commitment. And my wife, too, of course -- that's what makes it work.
You're sure about that? You look like you could use a...
OUT you evil spirits! BEGONE, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
For an instant, I glimpsed their true shape -- dark and twisted. The malevolence in their eyes sent a chill down my spine as they dissolved into wisps of smoke and vanished.
As the effect wore off, I head the checker asking, Was that really necessary?
Eh?
Swearing at them like that and making them cry?
Eh? ... What did you see?
You shouted profanity at them until they began crying and ran out the door.
Did you see that, too?
I asked the bagger, even though the look on his face told me the answer was clearly yes.
Yeah. That was really mean.
Mister, please just ... just pay and leave.
I swiped my card, grabbed the bag, and they escorted me to the door.
Did you see two girls run out of here crying just now?
I asked the man sitting at the table outside the door.
No, why?
What?! Were you sleeping?
asked the checker, incredulous.
Of course not! I've been watching for people the whole time.
Well, gentlemen,
I said, if I told you what I saw, you wouldn't believe me, so I'll leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions. Good day.