Rage! Rage!

I can’t help myself. Today I had the disgusting experience of dealing with two of the most condescending, abrasive, snobbish, blindingly rude people I have ever met. A mother and daughter team, they dripped with conceit and self-importance. And the worst part - as I served them I noted the credit card – CIBC.
They were Canadian.
My heart was too enraged to sink – I was actually shaking with anger.
I realize it is a symptom of my own arrogance that I have high expectations of Canadians concerning polite behavior when visiting another country. As far as prejudices go, it is not a bad one to pander to.
I am generally very patient when it comes to all manner of quirky tourists, but when people are so proud and superior, I am not one of those women who can maintain her sickly sweet voice. My tone becomes detached and cold, my words slapping out of my mouth like meat on a table. I may even attempt to push extra contempt into each intonation.
“Now do we get one of these pins for our trouble,” she grunted, rummaging though the tiny brass castles.
I stared at her, hissing gently.
“Keeping in mind we are a charity…do help yourself.”
Of course she did.