In the Checkout Line
So I’m standing in the checkout line at Star Supermarket. The line is somewhat long and moving at a turtles pace, so my eyes browse the familiar impulse-items of assorted candies and magazines. I notice from the corner of my eye, a little someone standing alongside of me.
I look down and see a cute little asian girl, no more than three years old, staring up at me with bright shiny eyes. I offer her a soft smile, but she continues to stare. I glance back to see who she belongs to, and see her mother busy with pen and checkbook.
The line moves forward two steps, with the little girl moving as well and continuing her stare. Then I hear the voice from the little girl. “Mommy. Mommy. Kwis Kwingle, Mommy. Kwis Kwingle.” I look in her direction to see what she is looking at, and it is me.
“Jen, that’s not Kris Kringle. Come over here,” the mother tells her. I look back towards the mom to give a reasuring look that it’s alright. The woman smiles and apologizes, explaining that they have recently been watching the Santa Claus Is Coming To Town video at home. I told her it was no problem, and smiled towards the girl.
After exiting the store and walking through the parking lot, I looked back to see if the girl and her mom had also left the store. I saw the woman placing bags into her car, and the little one standing alongside of her. I continued to walk, and just for fun, I bellowed out my best HO HO HO.
I’ve never been mistaken for Kris Kringle before, but I suppose if a small child is going to see me that way, it’s better to look like Santa in his younger years prior to the big belly and long white beard.