The prick at your conscience, always that moral ethical dilemma - what is the right thing for one to do. Indeed her behaviours were obnoxious & yes she was oh so very rude, but who are we all to judge, perhaps it is simply the frailty of another having a bad day. Conversation soon leads to gossip which sees you turn in disgust. Recognition that the anger was perhaps a cry for help, yet knowing two wrongs don't make a right, you switch off from the noise, lost in your thoughts. There you go again, the Jiminy Cricket that sits on your shoulder, that strengthens your resolve each & every day, that sees even your own children frustrated with you at times - too agreeable, always compliant, some even say you're too sweet; for the many times you've been told you're just too damned nice. Yet your disturbance of mind is how others can't see, that this troubled woman just needs someone's empathy. Why does everyone want to react so quickly, to point a finger of blame. While the exchange in front of you grows to a heated discussion on how much she was unreasonable, you're sure you even hear "what a bitch", yet you are left thinking & quite concerned "what made her act like that today", she must be angry, hurt, ill or in terrible pain. What was it that caused such frustration & angst? A simple act of kindness could be the stepping stone, to show this woman that there is compassion & that people do care. You're now telling yourself to be proactive - Moving into action, like you always seem so compelled to do- You dial her number found on the paper inside the wallet - the one that also reads diabetes - insulin dependent. Leaving a message you clearly clearly state: "whilst you were roasting the barista today, it seems in your haste to leave you left your wallet behind. To claim it I suggest you do come back & I must warn you be prepared for an attack. I would like to ask R U OK?

I eye the bright obnoxiously diva-pink leather wallet, pensive for a moment. Then inspiration strikes. I shove the door open and shout after her "YO LADY!!! Left me a present now did ya?!!", waving her prized possession.

She turns around, highly exasperated, looking like she'd be more than happy to plunge my head into an icy cold bucket of water. Then her expression turns to confusion, followed by an almost painful look of surprise. I do all it takes to suppress a guffaw. "Hand it over kid, or I'll have you arrested" she screams, inching menacingly towards me. "Ah well, you should've thought of that before you stormed outta here declaring to the entire universe.....what was it again......Oh Yeah,.... 'I'M NEVER SETTING FOOT IN THIS DUMPSTER EVER AGAIN'. Too bad, coz I ain't leaving anytime soon. So if you'll excuse me, I'd like to get back to my cappuccino, before it turns cold......like you." I turn around and walk back to my seat with a mix of approving and disapproving looks from the other customers. I ignore them and wink at the barista. She smiles back. Any moment now, I think to myself. I hear the door bell jingle and in storms Little Miss Scream-a-Lot. She waves her arms hysterically at me and begins to threaten me "Now look here kid...". I smirk. "Oh lookie here!! I thought I'd never see you again in here. Surprises aplenty indeed." I hear stifled giggles all around. Her face turns scarlet as she contemplates how to handle her sticky situation. "Gimme that" she shouts. "Hasn't mommy ever told you it's impolite to STEAL??!!"

"Well," I hiss with an air of irritable serenity, "Hasn't your mommy ever told you it's impolite to insult random strangers?" Pointing her wallet at the timid barista. "Let's strike a deal shall we? You get this hideous pink thingie, in exchange for an apology." She yanks off her huge sunglasses and stares at me, eyes flaring. "I'M SORRY" she yelps, addressing the entire coffee shop.

I thrust the wallet in her palm. "I hope you mean it, 'cause if you do, I do too." I say. She stomps off. And my cappuccino's gone cold. Sigh. I guess it was worth it.

*PS. This is purely fictional. I wouldn't have the guts to actually do this. I'd probably play it in my head and smile though*