Obligatory "on mobile" warning, so sorry for typos.

I was reading a story about a guy with his grandma having a conflict in an elevator and it reminded me of this run in I had with a Karen about this time last year.

BACKSTORY

My family was staying in a hotel after some hurricanes destroyed our homes. We were among several families of refugees being helped by the Red Cross, so it was pretty common to see full elevators for the time we were there. Also, and this is relevant for the story, I am a high functioning autistic with Asperger's Syndrome.

STORY

My grandmother (86F) and I (28M, at the time) were making our way downstairs to get some stuff we needed (I forget what, but it was likely towels or food). We were on the 17th floor of this hotel, so we naturally took the elevator. These elevators were large enough that about nine people could fit in without it being too cramped, and the one we got on already had about five people on board. We took positions where we weren't bothering anyone else and no one had to move, with me being next to the door and my grandmother being straight across from the doors.

Before we could reach or destined floor, the elevator stopped again, only for this Karen to start trying to shove a baggage cart in. (M- Me, G- Grandmother, K- Karen)

K (to G): can you move over so I can get this on?

G: Move where? The elevator is full.

K: You could just scoot over. (pointing to the corner where another person was standing)

Everyone in the elevator looked around wondering if this Karen was crazy as her kids played in the hall and on the cart. Ultimately, no one said anything or moved, do Karen just started pushing the cart in.

M: Please stop pushing the cart in or you'll hurt my grandmother.

K: She won't get hurt if she just moves over.

M: Ma'am, the elevator is full. She can't move over.

Karen kept trying to push the cart in, so I grabbed it and started pushing it back out.

K: Let go of the cart and stop pushing it!

M: (says nothing, but didn't let go or stop pushing)

K: I said let go!

M: (still not responding or following orders)

K: ARE YOU WRONG IN THE HEAD OR SOMETHING?!

M: Why, yes ma'am, I am am mentally impaired.

My answer just annoyed Karen further as she didn't expect it and wasn't getting her way, so she pulled the cart out the rest of the way and let the elevator go. As it began to move again, I turned to the rest of the people on the elevator and apologized for my behavior and explained that I am autistic, so my response was the truth. I don't think I saw that Karen again the rest of the time I was in the hotel and don't know if she ever managed to return her cart to the front desk.