Just yesterday I was in the elevator leaving the apartment to go to work. There was this realllly old guy in the elevator. And I mean old. Either that or he’s been smoking since he was 8 because he looks THAT old. Not to mention he smells like a chimney. I could barely breathe in that small space.

As the door closes he just stares at me up and down while tapping his cane. And finally says, “Is that a chador you’re wearing, or is that for the cold?”

I look back at him, not sure what he’s trying to get at, and honestly answer, “It’s a scarf.”

He spits out his reply, “I know that’s a scarf.” I could tell he was a little pissed off. But I didn’t’ mean to be rude. I thought he was one of those people who had no idea what a scarf was.

“I’m asking if it’s for religious reasons you wear that on your head, or if it’s because of the cold weather.”

Well sheesh, now that you put it that way, “It’s for religious reasons.”

I dashed out of the elevator and ran to catch my bus.