Woman at Walmart

    It's strange how something can touch you so deeply. And all I did was look back.

    I am in Walmart, walking out of it with my sisters, laughing, talking, rushing to get out of the store we all hate but find ourselves in more than we expect. There is an older woman sitting on the side of the wall, near the entrance, on a bench. She is an old greeter, the ones that probably wished they could retire in Florida but for some unfortunate reason are living out their old age greeting strangers in Walmart. I thought about that as we approached, three lively young girls dashing out living life.

    "Have a nice night," she called to us as we rushed on by, with a kind smile that caught my attention.

    "You too" we all chimed back.

      Maybe it was her smile or the tone of her voice, I don't know, but I found myself turning my head, looking back at her. It was only a half second or so. What I saw struck me. She looked down and her face, which was a few seconds ago so kind and warm,  was sunken in a sadness that I could not mistake even if her face was a mile from mine. One of her hands was stroking her other, as if to prod herself on. Perhaps she was nervous when talking to us. No, I thought to myself, old people are not like that. She may be thinking about when she was younger and lively as we were. That made more sense I thought. Either way I felt a little guilty. I should have said " You have a great night" or something more than "You too". Just as I walk out the door I think maybe she would like a nice dinner, what if we took her out, or sat and talked with her for a few minuets. Would she like that? Would that take that sadness from her eyes, cause her to look up in hope for a better day, give reason for a smile to stay?

      I didn't think about it much. After all I had this great fast life to live. But in my car alone the next day I found myself thinking about her again, her downcast eyes, and I started imagining what her life may look like. Did she have someone to go home too? What did the place where she lives look like? The town and surrounding area where this Walmart is located is rather scummy( not a really nice word but it fits). 

      All of a sudden I burst out crying, not real loud tears, but good hard ones, for the life I imagine she may live, because of that one glance. I dont know why but I feel guilty, for perhaps having so much more and not appreciating it, or not giving it away as I should, or most definitely could. After all what is better and as easy as a heartfelt " You have a great night, and oh, by the way, you look very beautiful tonight".