4 of 227

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 4

found it amazing that bank buildings needed to be so big now. Maybe it was just a status symbol, or maybe it just took more people to do the same things. Either way, it didn't matter as the post office finally came into view.

"Hello...Jim," Rose said as she read the man's nametag.

"Hi, there. What can I do for you?" Jim was just surprised to have someone who didn't shove letters at him or immediately demand their postage, much less say his name.

"I just need one stamp for this letter, and can you put it in the stack for me...you know, it's silly-I just left a stack of bills sitting back home in the mailbox," Rose laughed.

"It's okay. That'll be 39 cents. Thank you." Jim smiled and gave Rose her receipt. She waved at him as she exited. She almost reminded him of his own grandma.

*

It'd been a rough morning for Jim. Three people had called in sick, leaving him and Michael the only people working. They took turns-sorting everything in the back and watching the front. There wasn't going to be an opportunity for a break until lunchtime, but at least some people were being nice today.

A few minutes later, Jim heard a faint scream coming from outside. It sounded like the old woman he'd just met.

"I'll be right back, Mike!" Jim yelled in Michael's general direction.

"Huh? Where are you going?!" Michael yelled back, but Jim was already out the door.

Rose was obviously shaken and standing by the iron fence of the library across the street. She began to cry when Jim ran over to her.

"Are you okay?"

"I-I think so. Some man with a gun just took off with my purse. I don't keep a lot of cash, but all my check cards and my house keys were in there. Do you mind if I use your phone?"

"No problem," Jim replied,"and do you have anyone you can stay with until you get your locks changed? If anything has your address on it, he may try to go there."

"I had never thought about that...yes, I have my nephew and his wife. I think they won't mind me for a couple of days."

*

Ashley stretched just before the phone rang again, "Hello. Eagle Ridge Bank and Trust. This is Ashley, how may I help you?"

"Hi Ashley, this is Rose Wallace. My purse has just been stolen, and I need to speak to Greg or one of the other managers-whatever you have to do."

"Okay, Mrs. Wallace. I don't think Greg's here, but I'll try to find him. I'll be right back...just hang on the line."

Ashley peeked over the sea of cubicles until she spotted Roger. He was talking with some guy, and she hated to interrupt. He appeared to be the only

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Unusual encounters?
We want to hear your view. Write now!