it has been a while since i wrote about this, but i have a stutter.

it is something i have worked on for years. Madam has encouraged me to get help, practice, and keep improving. i have come a long way, but it is still part of me.

most days you might not even notice it.

other days, especially if i am stressed, anxious, excited, or caught off guard in a social situation, it comes roaring back. my words get tangled, my mouth cannot keep up with my brain, and i know exactly what is happening while i am powerless to stop it.

it can be frustrating.

most people are kind. they wait. they let me finish. some even pretend they did not notice, which i appreciate.

and then there are idiots.

the other day i was driving Madam around while she ran errands. we stopped to get petrol, and while i was filling the car, another fellow at the next pump asked me for directions.

i started answering.

the stutter kicked in.

he started laughing.

then he made some smart-ass comment about it.

honestly, i am used to people like that. they are not common, but they exist. usually i just ignore them and move on with my day.

what i forgot…

Madam was sitting in the passenger seat with the window open.

she heard every word.

before i even realized what was happening, her door opened.

she walked straight over to the man.

without raising her voice…

smack.

right across the face.

then she looked him dead in the eyes and simply said,

“be better.”

she turned around, got back into the car, closed the door, and waited for me.

the poor guy was so stunned he barely reacted. by the time i finished pumping the petrol and got back behind the wheel, he was still standing there with one hand on his cheek, trying to process what had just happened.

we drove away.

Madam did not say a single word.

not one.

she did not ask if i was okay.

she did not make a speech.

she did not explain herself.

she simply handled it.

and this duck?

i had the biggest, dumbest grin on my face for the rest of the drive.

because in that moment i was reminded of something i already knew.

Madam expects people to treat me with respect.

and she has absolutely no problem correcting those who don’t.