I work at a sandwich shop. It’s usually quiet in the mornings, but this morning, I had a few, shall we say... interesting customers.

First few customers come in. We have a policy that no more than 2 people are allowed in the store at one time, but we make exceptions for people from the same household, families etc. They are nice, but clearly unaware of how the shop worked. They asked for extra meat and bacon in their wraps, then were baffled by the price. They asked if we serve pizza (we very obviously do not). They asked if they could eat in the store, during England’s Lockdown part 2 (electric boogaloo). Somewhat annoying, but excusable and otherwise not really something to write home about.

But then... oh boy, but then.

Two guys come in, neither of them wearing face masks. One guy (let’s call him DB for Douchebag) says they’re exempt, with no proof of that statement, but I let him off. It’s the law to wear face masks in shops and takeaways in my country (exemptions aside), however store policy is that we are not allowed to enforce that law, therefore you can indeed come in without a mask on. Very annoying, but oh well. The other guy is apologetic and puts his sweater in front of his face, at least making an effort.

They order weird sandwiches, but I figure hey, you like what you like.

They go towards the till to pay. There is a plastic screen in front of the till creating a barrier between me and the customers. Second guy goes to pay. DB comes round the barrier to open his sandwich on the surface, now less than 2 metres distance from me. First of all, the store is takeaway only and people cannot under any circumstances eat in store. Second, obviously, he was not social distancing himself from me.

I politely ask him to step behind the screen.

He then says, “you really believe in that?”

I thought to myself “OH BOY, this is about to go way downhill”

I say “yes, I know someone who died from it.”

DB: “Oh yeah? Were they tested?”

Me: “They tested positive and died in the hospital.”

Now I realise that this wasn’t really his business, but I was getting angry.

DB spouts some more bullshit that I can’t remember, and I tell him that I believe in the many, many deaths from it.

He gives the classic line of “people die from things every day.”

I say “at least the flu has a vaccine.”

He kind of repeats his crap, but to be honest, it was a bit of a blur because I was shaking with anger, and I tend to block out confrontation.

After his friend pays, I turn to him as he’s still talking, and say “Buy a face mask. Goodbye.” And I turn and walk to the back room.

He says some more things as he’s leaving that I genuinely can’t remember due to the reasons I mentioned. I then made a “back open in 10 minutes” sign, locked the door, and went out back to have a cigarette and a cry. I don’t remember the last time I was this furious.

If you don’t believe Covid is real or a genuine threat, you’re an idiot. Plain and simple. There’s evidence and logic to prove you wrong.

Whatever you believe, if you can, wear a face mask, and try your best to use basic common sense. Maybe don’t wake up tomorrow morning with the intention of making someone’s day just that little bit worse.

Anyway, just wanted to rant. Thanks for reading if you did.