I've mentioned before that New Orleans is like a fiction writer's dream, because you can't make stuff up that's better than what actually happens there. I'm reminded of an example for today's Theme Thursday topic, which is LATE.

This is the story of a scene I witnessed at a late-night visit to a New Orleans convenience store. In a way, the telling of this "late" tale is right on time. It's a weird example of giving and thanks. 

New Orleans can be a dangerous city, and for that reason, most convenience stores don't let you in after dark. Business is conducted through the kind of bulletproof window you might find in the drive-thru at the bank. Money and goods are exchanged through a revolving metal box after the attendant has gathered whatever things you need.

New Orleans is also a very friendly city, and for that reason, customers don't seem to mind any delay. There's no expectation you will ever get anywhere in a hurry, so New Orleanians are well-versed in the virtue of patience. They make the most of their God-given time in any situation, like chatting with others anywhere that requires a wait.

There was a long line on the night of this story. It was the weekend, and most people were buying beer. One customer at a time, the woman behind the counter lumbered to and from the refrigerator, leaving plenty of time for others waiting to make friends. That's what happened with the two college-age strangers directly ahead of me. They talked about music and exchanged recommendations for good places to eat. Someone a little farther up in line told a joke that made us all laugh. Typical of New Orleans, it was like being at a cocktail party.

When the first of the college-age guys got his turn at the window, he cupped his hands over his mouth so the attendant would hear him clearly.

"I need an orange Gatorade and a roll of toilet paper," he shouted into the speaker.

Upon hearing this, his new friend began rifling through his backpack.

"Dude!" the midnight backpacker said with urgency, as if he hoped his announcement wasn't coming too late. "Don't buy toilet paper!"

His backpack, it seems, was a little like like Mary Poppins' magical carpet bag, because in it, he just happened to have a fresh roll of Charmin. He was more than happy to hand it over to his new best friend.

"Just the orange Gatorade, please," the customer shouted his revised order through the window.

He was thankful for this most generous gift, and quite frankly, so was I. It's the most amusing random act of kindness I've ever witnessed, but it really didn't surprise me. Despite any of the city's problems, the people there, without doubt, are the giving kind.






Some Other True New Orleans Tales Found On This Blog: