I was very nervous to be taking a car to Atlanta, because although the coronavirus seems to be lessening, I am in fear of another wave. Most every friend I've told that to say I'm crazy, but I remain cautious.
When I arrived just outside of Atlanta, I stopped at a Subway for a sub to go. I've been carrying a mask to put on when I go out in public, but not everyone does. I really can't tell other people what to do, I don't feel I have the right. But I do feel a bit leery when I see people stand close to me wearing no masks.
On the way into Subway, everyone I passed in the parking lot and shops had masks on. I felt a little more secure when I went inside and all workers and customers had them on. After five minutes waiting in line, a very large beefy man came in. He was not wearing a mask but had a massive unkempt beard. There were bits of food and tissue strewn about in the beard. He joined the end of the line.
It took less than a minute for the woman standing in front of him to turn and say, "Shame on you, why aren't you wearing a mask?"
"Oh, they're so uncomfortable and difficult with my beard."
"Maybe it's time to trim the beard a little so you can put a mask on."
"Lady, why are you so determined that I wear a mask?"
"We've been living through a pandemic, or hadn't you heard?"
"Yes, I hear all that fake news and its bull crap. The virus is nothing more than the flue, or a kind of flu,
or something like that."
"You need to wear a mask to protect others."
"What others?" he asked.
"Everyone else. Your friends, your neighbors."
"Well you are neither one, so why are we having this conversation?"
She was get very hot under the collar. "Sir, we all need to work together."
"Why?" he shot back.
"It's the only way to stop it, and get our economy up on its feet again."
"That's your opinion. And you're telling me because of your opinion I have to do what you say and put on one of those stupid masks?"
The woman took in a deep breath. "I am not telling you what to do. I am asking you, pleading, begging if necessary."
He held his hand up. "Let me save you some time. No one is going to tell me how to live or what to do. I am a free American man and I can do as I please because my Constitution says so. I do not go by other people's rules, I am the master of my own kingdom. I keep a fine gun collection and will feel free to shoot someone if they do me wrong. And I'm pretty tired of all you got to say and I feel like cracking you across the jaw--"
I quickly stepped back towards the man before he could act on his threat. But I was too slow, for the manager vaulted over the counter and rushed by me so fast and was on the bearded man in a flash. He effortlessly twisted the angry man's arm up behind his back and pushed him out the door. "Stay out of here, you're not welcome back." He came back inside and spoke to the line. "Very sorry folks, he's gone. I'd like to buy all of you a sandwich."
The six of us in line were all very grateful, and I admired him very much. One minute he's a Subway manager, the next he's Batman. It made for a memorable afternoon.
