More Than Words in Boston

A Story About Kindness Denied

Granny entered the bookstore, More Than Words.

"What a thoughtful name," she thought.

"Ah, a book on the Greek islands. It's always been my dream to go there," she gasped.

"These are on my bucket list," she smiled, clutching the book to her chest.

Chelsea, her granddaughter, smiled on. Granny had been having a tough time of it between doctor's appointments and hospital stays. Chelsea was so happy to see her granny happy.

"Ah," Granny exclaimed again. "Southern Italy—now that's another dream destination."

"And we just got here, Granny. Let's browse around," replied Chelsea.

Granny frowned.

"Oh dear, I need to go."

"Why, Granny?"

"Because I need to go, you know. What does your generation call it? Take a bio break?"

Chelsea blushed a little.

"That's no problem, Granny. This is a big store. I'm sure they have a bathroom."

"The sign said no public restroom," Granny replied.

"I'll ask. I'm sure they'll let you use it."

"Excuse me," said Chelsea to the store clerk behind the desk. "My grandmother really needs to use the restroom. May we use yours?"

"No," said the clerk. "We don't have a public restroom."

"Oh, but you have a restroom, right?"

"Yes, but it's not public."

"I'm asking for my grandmother."

"I'm sorry," replied the clerk.

Granny had been listening nearby. She approached the counter.

"Well, I was going to buy these books, but not anymore," she said, placing them on the counter.

"You can have them back."

"And we won't be coming back here again," added Chelsea.

Granny looked at the clerk.

"More Than Words is a cute name for a bookstore," she said.

"But I guess she has no more words now."

A story by Pemba Umoja