east village idiot

Dear Woman Sitting Next To Me On the 2 Train This Morning

May 28, 2008 – 8:02 am

I found it quite amusing when you took initiative to direct someone else off the train out of a clear set of doors further down the train when it became apparent that the passenger in front of her wasn’t going to move. But that should have been a warning sign that you go out of your way to help complete strangers - even when they don’t need it.

I was doing just fine on my Sudoku (the one labeled “hard” in today’s Metro) before you started looking over my shoulder. I don’t work well with an audience. Glancing eyes are pretty normal on the subway, but you just couldn’t stop watching me. Then, about halfway between Penn Station and Times Square, you had an epiphany, and you just had to share it with me by extending your hand towards my newspaper.

“I think that one’s a 2.”

Thanks for the help. I really needed it. I was really asking for help on this puzzle, especially since I almost had it entirely solved already. There were about six boxes left to fill in, and I was on a roll, but you spoiled my fun by trying to help me. One day, you’re going to butt into someone else’s Sudoku, and they’re going to slap you clear across the face. Surprisingly, we Sudoku players are quick with a pen, and quick with our hands.

By the way, it wasn’t a 2. It was a 4.

And not that it has any bearing on this rant, but you also smelled kind of funny.

Leave Me Alone,
Chris