Retrospect: the oatmeal conversation

Self-tutoring about people and events from the past: the tutor mentions an ironic twist in a conversation.

One time, in a lunch room, I was a transient worker who was eating with regulars. In a friendly way, one reached out to make conversation.

“So, you’re new here?”

“Just on contract,” I replied.

“Oh. Where are you staying?”

“At the Best Western.”

“Oh. Is breakfast included?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“So what did you have this morning?”

“Oatmeal,” I answered.

“You know,” another worker piped in, “I ate that a lot when I was a kid. I still love it…”

“It’s a great food for losing weight and getting healthy,” yet another worker added, and a couple more people agreed.

“…especially with lots of brown sugar and heavy cream,” the oatmeal lover continued.

Now, the health conscious people started to retreat: “Well, in that case, maybe not,” one of them said.

“Yeah, not too sure then,” a couple more tossed in.

The fracturing of the group over the application of oatmeal ended the small talk.