(Opinion) Bear Flat Dispatch: Relieved to be in the hot seat

BEAR FLAT, B.C. — It was recently reported that some individuals are negatively affected by the fumes when having to walk through the perfume and mascara department at the local Shoppers Drug Mart.

That has never bothered me, but it does seem somewhat strange how everyone is routed through that particular section to gain access to the entire store, including the pharmacy and post office departments.

I always thought it must just be a marketing ploy. However, there was one day that I was very happy to see that department with a handy chair to sit in.  

One day in February of 2018, my right leg started aching for no apparent reason.  It got bad enough that I went into the hospital emergency, but they couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

The pain eventually subsided, and they sent me on my way.  However, I thought I better pick up some sort of pain killer before going home, so I went to Shoppers. 

As I was walking through the door, the pain came back very strongly, and I struggled just getting to one of those chairs where women try on the products that are sold.

Walking was out of the question, so while still painful, sitting in that chair was the only viable option for the foreseeable future.

I can well imagine that I looked a bit out of place with my work clothes and somewhat scruffy appearance. At this point, a young woman from that department came up and hesitantly asked if I needed any help. I explained my predicament (which oddly seemed to come as a relief to her!) and she kindly said I could sit there as long as needed.

Meanwhile, there were customers coming through that were giving me some odd looks, but I did not know any of them, so who cares, right?

Well, of course that is when it happened. A contractor sales counter guy I knew from a local business came in and we made eye contact.

He looked a little nervous as he said: “Hello Ken.  Ah…what are you doing here?” 

Somewhat embarrassed, I explained my situation, and no, I wasn’t trying on the latest perfume or mascara. He too seemed somewhat relieved as he wished me well and carried on.

As soon as the pain receded to where I could walk, I got out of that hot seat and moved on!