The Face of Judgement

Today was Father's Day. Since my family was especially busy the last week, we never really got the chance to get together and purchase gifts for my dad. Due to this, I took it upon myself to run around today and grab a couple of things myself.

One of the major stops I made was for a gift card. Considering that my dad has been exercising lately, he's been losing a lot of weight so his clothing size has been changing. I didn't want to bother picking out something for him and chancing it not fitting, so I decided a gift card would be a much nicer, safer route.

As I went to the register to purchase my gift card, the cashier eye'd me slightly and the conversation began:

Myself: "I'd like to purchase a gift card, please."

Cashier: "...for Father's day?"

As she said it, one eyebrow perked up and she gave me a disapproving look. The type of look that says "Don't think that this is an alright thing to do just because I'm still going to sell it to you anyways".

This woman was not my cashier, but she may as well have been.

I quickly tried to explain myself, stating that "Well, yes, but I didn't want to pick out something he wouldn't like" or that I "didn't want to get something that wouldn't fit" but as I caught her icy glare, I realized it was already too late and she had already entered full-out judging mode.

When I had entered the store, I had never stopped to think that I might be so harshly judged. It was an odd feeling since I constantly go to the supermarket and buy 20 vitamin waters and a big box of cookies and reserve less judging looks, and in that scenario, considering I do it week after week, I don't think I'd be able to truly go without some level of inquisition if I were the cashier. I mean, why would this person be doing this? If they're buying so many vitamin waters, perhaps they're trying to stay healthy, but then why would they purchase cookies? If they want the cookies, why would they not purchase milk? Are they from some sort of vitamin water cult? Are they purchasing cookies for the next cult pot luck? HOW MANY GODDAMN POTLUCKS DO THESE BASTARDS HAVE?

But I digress.

The stare I approved from the woman today was much less understandable and yet much harsher. I could feel the depths of my very soul get colder, and yet she sold me the gift card anyways. Fortunately, I soon got out of that cold, unforgiving environment and was on my merry way, as I picked up a couple smaller things for my dad.

While shopping I came across this, and knew it was a necessary purchase:

When later presenting these gifts to my dad, it took every ounce of my willpower to prevent myself from throwing this plush right at my dad and running away but, considering the fact that I managed to withhold myself from this line of action, I feel I can now sleep considering myself to be a good son, regardless of what the woman at the mall might think.