I was a handy man of sorts and had just departed my current worksite—it had been a long day. A restroom visit before leaving job site would have been wise, but the drive home was all of two miles and I foresaw no problems. One detour was taken, that being a left into the parking lot of a neighborhood store to purchase a six pack as I felt a “cold one” would take the edge off. As I entered store I noticed this cat that seemed antsy and I wondered what his story was. I walked straight to the rear where coolers were working hard to fend off Atlanta’s scorching summer heat.

After selecting my poison I walked to register to pay. I was second in line and stood behind the same jumpy dude I noticed moments ago. Setting my selection and twenty bucks on counter’s edge, I stepped back slightly and waited my turn. In a nonchalant move the patron I was behind removed a gun from pocket and pointed it toward cashier. It took a few seconds for my mind to process the scene unfolding before me, but when I realized it was no prank, I began looking from side to side to find cover should it be required. The clerk’s back was turned as she was otherwise occupied operating the system controlling the fuel pumps. When she turned and saw barrel pointing squarely her way she made a high pitched squeal and fell to floor landing on her tail. The gun wielding “customer” motioned with his weapon in a way that said getup. He then told her, almost in a whisper, to empty the drawer—she cooperated. After she handed over the drawer’s contents, the perp added my twenty to his spoils and fled.

The police arrived quickly and locked down the store. There were four or five of us in the establishment when the heist went down and each had to give their version of what took place. I was happy to assist, but my bladder was reaching maximum capacity. Unfortunately, there were no restrooms; however, there was a wooded field around back. I explained my predicament to one of the officers and he was kind enough to allow my use of that little patch of land as make-shift latrine. After relieving myself I returned and participated in the investigation. Before leaving the proprietor replaced my Andrew Jackson, which enabled me to make my intended purchase.

I replayed those events many times since and feel blessed as many things could have gone terribly wrong—for all who stood in that store at that hour. I reckon the good Lord was looking after us.