I’m standing in line at the Walmart return desk with an unflattering pair of shorts I’d never wear in public (you have to be careful with shorts at my age), watching a mini drama play out right in front of my eyes. Two young men (probably on the cusp of 21) are attempting to return a nonreturnable electronic item. I sense that they are armed for battle, sales slip in hand, poised like a weapon. Behind me in line is a young mom with an 18 month old who has yet to learn the art of patience. He is winding up.
As Ardelle, the woman behind the desk, turns to the boys, she flashes her 1000 watt smile and asks how she can help. She is fairly glowing with good will. Entitled, they demand their refund, only to be told about the store’s policy on electronics. Her feet are on solid ground and she knows it.
“But here’s our sales slip”. She scans it and sees that it is from weeks ago anyway, which she explains to them with a gentle and bemused grin. The boys are completely disarmed. Somehow, due to her magic approach, they walk away contented. I am next in line. She completes my return, still smiling, and we enjoy a sisterly eye roll about “kids today”.
Forging ahead with my list, I just can’t stop thinking about this beautiful woman. “Let’s buy her some flowers”. We do, and walk them back to her. The return line is quite full, and as I gift her with the flowers and rave about her skill, her boss “just happens” to be right next to her, soaking it in. As I turn to leave, I hear Ardelle’s voice.
“Honey, get over here and let me give you a big hug!” Everyone is smiling.