It could have easily gone sideways.

But it was Christmas Eve at the market and I was getting a few last minute things. The checkout lines were long as a bobtail.

I chose Lynda’s line because she’s always been cheerful and helpful in many ways.

Fifth in the line of 10 or more, directly behind me, number 6 began complaining and her impatient rant was desperately looking for support among the ranks. But nobody was biting.

“I can’t believe they don’t…blah…blah” she continued.

And as if we’d rehearsed it, we all began talking among ourselves about the joys of our holidays, how Lynda was our favorite checker and we all made light of it when the receipt tape ran out on number 2, the gift cards didn’t validate on number 3 and number 4 could get two more 12 packs for free on the promotion though he didn’t speak enough English to understand her. Number 8 chimed in with a translation and we all laughed and waited for the box boy to return with his other two.

All except number 6. She stood there fuming.

No matter how busy this holiday season, keep your cool, keep your joy, wish Merry Christmas to all your numbers 1-10 but say a little prayer for the number sixes who just aren’t there yet.