Devonne Brown

“Are you still working? Why don’t you retire?” Everybody wanted  to know because of the silver hair and wrinkles.  Fred asked at the wrong time. Janice was tired and not in the mood. He thought women were silly. He retired early five years ago. 

“Why? Do you need someone to take care of you?” Janice asked.

“No. I was making conversation. I didn’t mean to be impolite.” Fred didn’t expect that kind of answer from Janice. He’d always known her to be demure and kind, always willing to do anything for anyone. She’d never spoken a harsh word to a soul. He sure didn’t think she’d come back at him. He stepped backwards. 

“Do you want to talk about why women with grey hair and wrinkles should stop working in public? Is that the conversation you want to have, Fred?” He was scared. No woman had ever spoken to him like that. But since she brought it up, he figured he’d run with it.

“Well, maybe people don’t want you around anymore. Maybe it’s time to go.”

“But I don’t want to.”