I got my chance!

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A few months ago I wrote about how, in my first job, the supervisor took against me and used to make me clean the toilets at every opportunity. It got to the point where other staff would basically be waiting for him to tell me to do it. I regarded it all as a bit of a joke but obviously the resentment at my unfair treatment stuck in my mind. I thought that if I ever saw him again (he now lives in France) I would tell him that toilets always made me think of him. Well today, somewhat surprisingly, I got that chance! My Uncle died a few weeks ago and today a memorial service was held for him. Along with his daughters and their families and various more distant relatives, in-laws and neighbours, Alan was there. I wondered whether I should just let things go but decided that no, I would regret it if I missed the opportunity to let him know I hadn’t forgotten. So when he said ‘It’s Alan, do you remember me?’ I said ‘Oh yes of course I do, I think of you every time I clean a toilet!’ He looked a bit non-plussed so I continued ‘Do you remember the Little Chef? You used to make me clean the toilets all the time.’ He did have the good grace to look a bit shame-faced at that. Maybe it was petty but I was glad I was able to let him know I still remembered. And just being able to tell him freed me from that festering resentment and we went on to have a nice chat. So an unexpected bonus on a sad occasion. All rights reserved. © Text and image copyright Fleur 2021.