Two Seconds That Won't Go Away

I vaguely remember that I have a house. I think it's messy or something. Actually, I know it's messy because I am out of town for the fourth time in less than a month, which means the cats have had plenty of time to plan their coup.

Do I still have a house? Could someone make sure it hasn't been converted into a giant cat condo? I feel like Mila would be a big fan of a giant cat condo, so she's probably helping them by collecting carpet scraps and throwing cat nip all over the place.

ANYWAY, I'm in Baltimore. The rest of the crew is at home, likely being forced by the cats to turn the living room into a giant cat scratcher.

Baltimore is an interesting place.

I've been here before (just a few weeks ago, even!), so I already know which direction to head when I have a few minutes. Which, YOU GUYS. I'M NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHILDREN RIGHT NOW. I literally don't know what to do with myself. When I don't have to drag kids to dance classes or the playground, when I'm only responsible for feeding myself, and when I'm not spending hours trying to negotiate with a toddler, I have soooooooo much time.

It's like vacation, except that I have a whole bunch of work to do.

Earlier in the evening, I found myself in need of dinner. I wandered down the street towards food, but then was distracted by shiny things like Banana Republic and Gap. They beckoned me from afar, so I moved closer, just in case there was something I needed to know.

After a few minutes, empty-handed but still happy, I wandered a bit further into the shopping center. It seemed like a good time to dash into the restroom, so I did.

While the shopping center was largely empty, there was someone else in the restroom. It was, of course, no big deal. As she washed her hands and fixed her hair, I did the important restroom things, then headed towards the sink. As I approached, I smiled at the woman and said, "Hi." You know, basic human stuff. Baltimore is pretty good at the basic human stuff, which is nice. I've been in plenty of cities where a smile and a "Hi" will be met with a leer or a blank stare.

Not this time, though. This time I watched as a 1000-pound weight fell from the woman's shoulders, relief obviously swept over her, and she managed a small smile in return.

The woman in the restroom appeared to be a transgender woman. I don't know that for a fact of course, but it's probably a good guess. Regardless, it's bugging me like crazy that being in the restroom had her on edge.

It shouldn't be that way.

Comments

[Bee]

There are so many people who would've responded horribly to her. I'm so grateful it was you she encountered. Thank you for using her correct pronouns in your post, and for stating that you cannot be sure she was trans just by looking at her.

You give me hope.