On June 15th, 2021, California removed its indoor mask mandate. So today I went to the grocery store in this newly reborn maskless era. Carried mine with me but checked the sign out front, it said if you are vaccinated, no need for a mask. If you are not vaccinated, please wear one.
Great!
So I walked in, free and/or easy, as one of few maskless folk. Grabbed a sammitch and a bag o' apples, and got in line. In front of me was another maskless person. Let's call her, oh, Karen. Cashier had her mask on. The following conversation ensued.
Cashier: "how does it feel without the mask, nice, right?"
Karen: "i don't have to wear one."
Cashier: "...no, i'm glad, that's good, finally!"
Karen: "i never wore one! only if someone chased me down and threatened to kick me out would i put it on!"
Karen then looks at me for support.
Me: "i read the sign to make sure, and i am vaccinated. but i wore one for quite some time."
Karen: "FREE AT LAST!"
Exit Karen
Me: "i wore mine until yesterday actually. and i'll carry it with me anyhow."
Cashier: "thank you, we all appreciate that. have a great day!"
Me: "have a lovely day as well!"
Exit NAD