Public transportation is full of little surprises — but sometimes, those surprises come with a very distinct aroma.
One day, I boarded the bus and settled into my seat just as a classy woman climbed aboard. She looked like she’d walked straight out of a Parisian boutique: elegant coat, pearl earrings, and a perfume so rich and floral it could’ve knocked a bee off course.
“Excuse me,” I said gently. “Your perfume is amazing. May I ask what it is? I’d love to get it for my wife.”
With a gracious smile, she replied, “It’s Chanel. Straight from Paris.”
We rode in companionable silence for a while, until… well, let’s just say I made a small contribution to the air. It was subtle, or so I thought.
A moment later, she wrinkled her nose, waved a hand, and muttered, “Oh my heavens! What is that smell?”
I gave her a sheepish shrug and said, “Garlic. I’m from Gilroy, California — the garlic capital of the world.”
She didn’t say another word. Just stared out the window, probably wondering if Chanel made nose plugs.
Why We Need These Moments
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