Four Options and a Snotty Pen
I was in the back of a conference running sound when a gentleman dropped his pen behind the back row where I sat. About to get up and help, I noticed what looked like a drip at the end of his nose. A drip? I remembered a man at lunch getting up quickly to exit and blow his nose. This was the same man.
What do I do? For sure he’s sick (I’m watching him put a handkerchief to his nose again…). If I touch the pen I know I’ll get germs, possibly actually snot.
Here are my thought options:
1. My Registered Nurse friend would be much more prepared. She’s around old, sick people all the time. Probably built up immunities to it. Too bad she lives an hour away.
2. A small child would be perfect! They don’t realize the danger or grossness. Probably make them feel good, too. A “life lesson”. But this is a senior conference. No kids around.
3. I could pick it up with a tissue or just wash my hands afterward, but that takes effort and I don’t see a tissue or sink near by. Plus I’m working.
4. Sit and do nothing.
And that’s what I did. Nothing. What a selfish, frady-cat dipstick I am. This old, sick man won’t be able to take life-changing notes because of me. Worthless.
Here’s what happened next: A door at the side of the room opened and a woman walked in, and sat down close to him. She slightly tipped her chair, reached back behind her, and picked up…herpen…that had fallen from her seat next to him while she was gone.
Sheesh. I’m still a dipstick…