I hailed a taxi to return home from an errand. I had just a single N500 note. It is normal and acceptable conduct to inform the driver of a public transport of how much you are offering in payment for the service he offers, especially if you are expecting change after payment. This is important, especially when the cash you will offer is, say ten times the service's worth, as in my case.
The journey began. After a minute, we became four in the vehicle; two other women joined in. In less than a minute later, a young fellow was telling the driver his destination. 'I have N500', he added afterwards.
My jaw dropped. I realised my mistake. I probed my reason and sampled what style of engagement will work best. My fingers raking my hair backwards, I let the words out: 'Sir . . . I also have a N500 note'.
He looked at me twice, intermittently, ensuring he doesn't get distracted. His countenance spelt displeasure. 'Why will you do such a thing?' he asked.
Photo source: Time
'Please, I'm sorry. I totally forgot. Not until this fellow mentioned did I remember I also had the same note'.
The man fumed through the next minute. What else I can say but remain silent?
We reached my destination, in relative quiet. I alighted the vehicle and handed him the N500 note immediately. He drew his wallet. He fumed again while bailing out N50 notes. He paused to vent a little again, on realising there was just about two such notes left.
'I said, "I am sorry, sir". Please. . .'.
He turned to respond to a lady who offered assistance from the back seat. 'No. . . He said "I'm sorry" that's why. He said he's sorry. If not'.
We parted in peace. I can't forget to say, "Thank you!"
Imagine, I didn't apologize earlier. What do you think would have been the result?
Sometimes, a simple "Sorry" can avert a war.