“Oh!” Her hand went almost automatically to the purse that she carried with her these days. Not that she was truly concerned about the contents being harmed, she simply did not want to lose it. That would shorten the punishment and make it far less fun for Jeannie.
But it had been quite surprising to be struck in such a fashion. The impact had startled her enough that it took a moment for her to realize that she had run into a person rather than a stationary object. For a moment, she had thought that the parking meter had been speaking to her.
But no, it was a man. Who was picking up plastic wrapped clothing. How strange. Was he moving that he was carrying his clothing down the street? That was a bit of a mystery.
But not one to be solved for he had asked her a question and it was rude not to answer. “Oh yes. I am looking for a shop, and I was sure it was near here, but things move about and I have misplaced it. Have you heard of the Magic Box?”