A writing prompt: The last time I was surprised it nearly....
The last time someone surprised me was when husband, Dave,
and I went to buy a used treadmill from a lady in Sebastopol.
The adventure nearly landed me in the emergency room. Maureen wanted $250.00
for her treadmill saying it was rarely used.
I was anxious to try the machine so I climbed on and Maureen
started it up. She showed Dave and me a few of the controls, speed, distance, and
incline levels. As Maureen and Dave talked I kept up the pace, but after a few moments
the tread seemed to jump up a notch. I asked if we could slow the pace a bit.
Both Maureen and Dave didn’t hear me. Was I imagining
things? No. The speed was up from 2 to 3 m/p/h. “Guys, how do you stop this thing?”
Maureen turned to me, but didn’t seem to register my
question. What was wrong with her? I trotted along. I don’t like trotting. “Hey!
Hey!” The colored buttons on the control panel blurred. Was this a carnival
ride? The whirling teacups or the flying swings? I was afraid to let go of the
handles long enough to push any of the buttons. All of my focus was on my feet.
Run feet run.
“Let go, and I’ll catch you,” Dave yelled, but at that point
I didn’t trust him. My legs gave out and I fell flying backwards banging my
knees and elbows on my way. Dave grabbed me and helped me to my feet.
Maureen finally snapped to attention and pulled a key to
stop the machine. She asked if I was okay. “NO. I’M NOT! Why didn’t you stop
the treadmill?”
“Brain fart,” she said.
Brain fart?? Because
I got hurt, Maureen must have felt guilty.
We were able to talk her down in price another $50.00. We bought my
treadmill for $200.00.
When was the last time you were surprised?
