Mistaken Identity

Doris unexpectedly meets an old friend 300 words

Mistaken Identity

“You look familiar,” said a voice behind Doris in the checkout line.

She turned to see if she knew this person who knew her best from the back. Nope, she didn’t.

“I’m sure I know you,” the voice continued.

She turned again to give this stranger a piece of her mind. Doris even opened her mouth to do it. But the person looked so startled, she snapped it shut.

At last, she was able to unload her cart onto the conveyor. Then she heard the voice again.

“You always were stuck up, Doris. It’s me, Gloria Peracon.”

Doris turned, greatly surprised.

“Gloria? Where are you?” she blurted.

“Down here, old age has taken me down a peg or two.”

Doris looked down. No more than three feet tall, there stood a woman who looked like a dried apple doll. She looked into her eyes and knew it was Gloria.

“Why, my dear old friend, do you have time to catch up after shopping?”

The happy nod made her glad she’d offered. Together they went to the food court to have lunch and a good old natter. Doris opted for a salad and coffee.

Gloria heaped her tray. It made Doris wonder where she was going to put it but was happy to pay for both as she had promised. They talked about marriage, Doris yes, Gloria never; children, Doris none, Gloria two.

Soon they were laughing hysterically and remembering the old days.

“So, what kind of doctor did you end up becoming?” Doris wondered.

“Witch.”

“Pardon me?”

“I am a witch doctor. In Papua New Guinea.”

“You’re kidding!” Doris gasped.

“No. I tricked a tribal chief who tried to shrink my head. My magic stopped him. Thank you. But I must be going, “Gloria said as she vanished.