大象传媒

Marian is married with two daughters and four grandchildren. She enjoys creative writing, embroidery and tapestry, crosswords and gardening.

I chose to tell this story because it is one I will never forget. Even though this happened years ago, I never go into a shop unless I can see several people inside.

Inside Lives has been exhilarating, very informative, thoroughly enjoyable. Not a second of boredom!

Transcript:

I entered the Spar shop and picked up a basket. Through the security mirror I saw the reflection of a young woman, busy selecting and filling her bag with goodies. I couldn't take my eyes off her. It was obvious she was stealing. I went hot and I wanted to get out, but I couldn't.

It was after six, closing time, and we were the only two in the shop.

Tony, the owner, was nowhere to be seen.

What should I do? My mouth was dry and my stomach was churning.

I was being silly - of course she'd stop at the till and pay. She'd simply forgot to pick up a basket, I thought, but I wasn't convinced.

She didn't seem to be aware of me. I wanted to shout out, but then if I'm wrong I'll look a right idiot, I thought.

I seemed to have been there for hours, yet it was only minutes. She was moving nearer to the door. I braced myself. It was now or never. I could hardly breathe. I'd had nightmares like this.

Shaking with outrage and praying that I was doing the right thing, I stood willing myself to pick up the courage, when she interrupted my thoughts. She was by the till and right out of the blue she shouted.

"I'm going now Tony. You've got a customer".
"OK, love", came the reply, "see you at home".