Baby Jesus Made Me Do It

As I exited my building yesterday, I opened the door and knocked someone off the top step of the entrance into her colleague, thus causing a sort of domino effect of old ladies. Luckily, nobody actually tipped over onto the ground, but there was a lot of physical comedy to prevent a full-on face plant. I felt horrible, but I had to stifle a laugh. The two women who looked to be in their 60's were dressed in their Sunday best, hats and all. One was wearing varying shades of navy blue, a ladies skirt suit circa 1970 with a blouse, a blue velvety hat and her dark stockinged feet were packed into prim navy shoes. The other woman who I had knocked over with the door was wearing a light brown color, not unlike that of a teddy bear, and almost of the same material. She was also wearing a skirt/jacket/blouse combo, and her hat matched perfectly, but it was not as structured as the one her navy friend was wearing.

Following is the dialogue that took place:

Me: I am so sorry! Are you o.k.?
This was said in a rather high pitched voice, as I was really afraid I almost killed a stranger. It was accompanied by my reaching out for the woman's hand and steadying her. This hand she held onto with her soft, warm, pillowy hand during the entire exchange.
Lady in Brown: Why yeees, I am fine. But you startled me so. "Are you o.k.?", she asked the her friend.
To my relief, everyone was fine.
Me: I just didn't see you through the door window, I am so very sorry.
Lady in Brown: Are you saying I am short?
Me: No, I am just saying that when you stand-
Lady in Brown: You are! You are saying we are short! Well, how do you like that? (chuckle chuckle)
Me: Yes, o.k. You are short. It's true.
Lady in Brown: WHAT?! You've got nerve. Come on, girl, you wanna go?
Me: Yes, I do wanna go. I hate it when short people stand around my building.
Lady in Brown: Come on then, let's take this outside.
Me: We are outside!
Lady in Brown: O.K. then, which apartment are you?
Me: H4
Lady in Brown: I just rang that apartment!
Me: I know, I came down to tell you short people to get away from my building!

Me, Lady in Brown, Lady in Navy: LAUGHTER, oh, we laughed and laughed.

Again, throughout this entire exchange my left hand (yes, the one less a fraction of a finger) was safe and warm in her left hand, while she patted my arm with her right. It was all very familiar and nice, but steeped in jocularity reserved for neighbors who have known each other for decades.

Finally, she released my hand, bade me a bless day, and handed me an invitation to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. If our five minute exchange represents what happens down at the Kingdom Hall, I just might have to go.