Petroleum Problem

There is a gas shortage in the metro-Atlanta area and it's pretty frightening. I am nervous, uneasy and not altogether confident about this situation. And it's not the risk of being trapped at home unable to commute. It's the thought of being attacked by other consumers in mass hysteria.

Hurricane Ike hit Texas two weeks ago. At the time, I refused to buy gas because I felt stations were price gouging. It took a week for it to catch up to me when my gas light came on this weekend. The prices were still too high, but I had to submit. 

To my chagrin my trusty BP was sold out, the Shell down the street was also out and the Chevron, all the Mom & Pops...

The QT up ahead was my last hope. As I approached, I saw that not only was gas available, but that there were about 100 or more cars also in need. Horns were blaring, curse words and fists were flying in the air. I was nervous. I in no way intended to get attacked over some unleaded.

I took a deep breath and pulled in. My car is extremely compact so I had no trouble squeezing up behind a Chevy Malibu to wait my turn. Other cars were creating a bottle neck in an attempt to circle the other fully-occupied pumps. I waited in the madness. 

When my turn arrived I got out and patiently pumped my gas. Then one crafty lady backed her bumper right up to mine. She was waiting her turn, then she did the unthinkable and left her car unattended to enter the station. 

Did I mention my car is compact? It was full before she reached the doors! I imagined the maniacs ramming her car out of the way or forming a mob to lift and toss that emerald green Corolla. So I moved as slowly as possible, taking my time to put the pump back, pull out my receipt and recap my tank. She reappeared to ask me if I was finished. I told her yes and she made the unbelievable decision to reenter the station. 

I'd had enough!  The horns were blowing incessantly, growing to a crescendo. I decided it was her or me and got back inside my car. Thankfully, for the sake of her little Toyota, she returned as I turned on the engine and drove safely away. I hope the shortage ends soon, my nerves can't handle much more of this.