As I was leaving the office, I walked right out into a summer thunderstorm. I was expecting a warm day, so I didn't carry an umbrella, not that I usually do. I was tempted to go back inside and wait the rain out. However, I was already running late to meet my friend, Jen, for the showing of The Dark Knight at the IMAX. So, I took my chances with the rain.
I quickly walked down to the end of the block and waited for the lights on the intersection of First Ave. S and Holgate to change. The whole time, the large rain drops continued to fall unrelentlessly, soaking my long-sleeve shirt and jeans. As soon as the little person appeared signaling it’s okay to walk, I jogged across the street and another half-block north to the parking lot. When I finally got there, my car wasn’t there. No where to be seen. And then, I remembered I parked it on the same side of the block as my office when I returned from lunch earlier that day, which was back across the other side!
By the time I crossed back to the other side of the street, I looked like if someone threw buckets of water at me, from head to toes. Suddenly, a voice yelled out, "Hey, you!"
I whipped around, expecting a tourist asking for directions. Instead, I saw a white and pink umbrella sticking out of the passenger-side window of blue compact car.
“Here, take the umbrella,” the nice man behind the wheel yelled through the downpour.
For a moment there, I was taken back by the generosity. It was so sweet and thoughtful, as he was trying to “rescue” a “damsel in distress.” Not that Seattle is filled with selfish individuals, but in this crazy downpour, I was just focused on getting to my car—parked at the other end of the block. Unfortunately, the independent woman pride prevented me from accepting. I responded instead, "Thank you. My car is just down the street, so I'll be fine.”
By the time I got to my car, I looked like I took a shower with my clothes on. I did finally meet up with my friend, Jen, and my hair and clothes eventually dried off during the movie.
In hind sight, I should’ve just swallowed my pride, accepted the umbrella, and gave him my business card so he can get his umbrella back later. I really do appreciate the man's offer, because it was proof that chivalry still exists in the modern day. Even at 31, yes, I admit, I’m still a romantic at heart…
I quickly walked down to the end of the block and waited for the lights on the intersection of First Ave. S and Holgate to change. The whole time, the large rain drops continued to fall unrelentlessly, soaking my long-sleeve shirt and jeans. As soon as the little person appeared signaling it’s okay to walk, I jogged across the street and another half-block north to the parking lot. When I finally got there, my car wasn’t there. No where to be seen. And then, I remembered I parked it on the same side of the block as my office when I returned from lunch earlier that day, which was back across the other side!
By the time I crossed back to the other side of the street, I looked like if someone threw buckets of water at me, from head to toes. Suddenly, a voice yelled out, "Hey, you!"
I whipped around, expecting a tourist asking for directions. Instead, I saw a white and pink umbrella sticking out of the passenger-side window of blue compact car.
“Here, take the umbrella,” the nice man behind the wheel yelled through the downpour.
For a moment there, I was taken back by the generosity. It was so sweet and thoughtful, as he was trying to “rescue” a “damsel in distress.” Not that Seattle is filled with selfish individuals, but in this crazy downpour, I was just focused on getting to my car—parked at the other end of the block. Unfortunately, the independent woman pride prevented me from accepting. I responded instead, "Thank you. My car is just down the street, so I'll be fine.”
By the time I got to my car, I looked like I took a shower with my clothes on. I did finally meet up with my friend, Jen, and my hair and clothes eventually dried off during the movie.
In hind sight, I should’ve just swallowed my pride, accepted the umbrella, and gave him my business card so he can get his umbrella back later. I really do appreciate the man's offer, because it was proof that chivalry still exists in the modern day. Even at 31, yes, I admit, I’m still a romantic at heart…
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