I was to enter our favorite supermarket earlier today when one of the guards met me and said something that surprised me. "Why are you in your sweat pants?" he asked. "You know me, Jules. I run around and breathe in them," I said jokingly.
"I was told not to let you in," he stated, taking me aback. "Haha, you gotta be kidding me, Jules!" I laughed in amusement, thinking it was just a prank and the guard was playing his role impressively.
But nope. He wasn't joking.
He blocked my way and would not allow me to take another step. I stood there in utter shock. Meanwhile, Daisy (the fierce lady guard) was letting others in, even those in jogging pants. "Well, this isn't funny at all..." My mind was running wild, trying to make sense of the situation.
Others were already staring at us, probably thinking I had done something terrible, and that lit a fuse of my rage. I bit my lip for some moments before speaking. I was determined not to make a scene on such a beautiful morning.
"Okay, this is quite embarrassing, but I want to know who made you do this. Could you please call on him or her? Perhaps he/she can explain why I had been coming and going here in the past without issues, and now I am being treated differently." I asked the guard calmly yet firmly, indicating my desire to clear the matter, whatever it may be.
Jules shook his head, and I realized his courteous demeanor was absent. He usually said 'Hello ma'am' with a big smile whenever he saw me and often helped me with my grocery bags, so I was lost as to why such a fuss today.
"Hey, buddy, good morning!" the Farmboy approached. "You two are not allowed inside," Jules replied, standing firmly where he was.
"And why is that?" the Farmboy asked jokingly. "It was an order," the guard stated without a hint of humor in his voice or face.
"Oh come on, you are kidding, right?" My husband laughed, gently elbowing Jules's arm. However, Jules raised his baton, prepared to do anything should we force ourselves in.
"What the f*ck!" The husband never spoke such foul language, but I think he was shocked. Then, suddenly, he did a 360 turn and kicked Jules in the nuts, which sent him down to his knees, howling in pain. I screamed in terror. I have never seen my husband hit anyone.
"Ling, you're having a bad dream." The Farmboy voice woke me up. What a nightmare that was! I was just glad it wasn't real.
Well, it's a beautiful Thursday morning here in DD. The breeze has calmed, the birds are chirping, and the sun shines brightly. It's a great day to be alive and we are grateful🙏
Lead image by Jethro C. The second photo is by Aakash Panwar via Pexels. No copyright infringement intended.. 27032025/08:53ph