Paper Shop
I went out for eggs this morning. Cooked breakfast is one of my sunday teats. I remembered on the way to the Spar that I could get the paper. Unusual that I hadn't thought of this first as its a usual part of the sunday routine. On entering the paper shop I noticed that the newsagent I'll call Andrea wasn't there. Instead a man and a woman stood behind the counter and two other customers where chatting with them.
"Where's Andrea?", I said when I got his attention.
"She just walked out," he said. "She can't stand the shop any more. She's gone for a walk."
I felt a wave of sadness thinking of this woman who'd lost her husband recently. I hadn't warmed to her - but old age, loneliness and wondering what's the point are universal themes.
I noticed that they couple who were running the shop couldn't work out how to use the till and were taking money on the counter, writing down each paper they sold. I felt bad about having a tenner - but they managed it. It felt warm that the community had stepped in to keep the shop open.

Spar
As I approached the Spar - thinking about the strange scene in the papershop, I noticed a woman I know through a friend, going in with two children. She is the woman I failed to recognise on 21st Aug (Bead Shop post). I tried to catch her eye but she seemed to look away.
"Hello", I said.
She looked up, smiled and said hello and called me by my name, then looked away again. I wondered whther she was being offish because I had forgotten who she was last time. I also wondered if she thought I had forgotten her name this time as I hadn't used it. I wasn't sure why I didn't - embarrassment I think.

I approached her in the queue after she said something about giving in to her children by buying them sweets.
"Easily done," I said.
I confessed that I was making a point of recognising her after what happened in the bead shop. She smiled and chatted. She seems like a very nice person - but I am confused on how to be with her because I find her beautiful.