By Judith Benson
Salmon Arm, BC
“What a cute mask!”
I looked over my shoulder. “Thanks,” I sniffled and my mask’s cotton lining stuck to my nostrils and stayed there. “Do I know you?”
“Pardon? I can’t understand you,” the stranger said.
I grounded my shopping bags so I would have both hands free to stretch the elastic just enough to pull the mask away from my nose and allow some air in. “Do we know each other?” I repeated.
She circled around to face me. “Oh. No. I just love how my Covid mask lets me connect with people. Do you like mine?”
She lunged forward as if physical distancing didn’t count. I took two giant steps backwards. Her mask was printed with numerous action heroes whose golden bulging muscles contrasted with their scanty sickly green and neon pink spandex outfits.
I picked up my bags to win some time. “Well. As long as your mask works for you, it’s just fine. Take care.” I rushed off, sorry that I’d forgotten to remove my mask after visiting the hairdresser.
Masks, A Conversation,
Copyright © Judith Benson, June 12, 2020