The embarrassing incident happened on the drive home. I got a Mass Pike toll ticket, drive for a few miles on the Pike, then got to the toll booth before getting onto Route 128. Somehow, I did not remember getting the ticket. Perhaps my memory loss was due to the relief I was still feeling at not being an insurance salesman. Anyway, when the toll collector asked for the ticket, I replied that I did not have one, so he charged the full price ($2.70). The actual toll per the ticket was 30 cents.

As I looked through my change, my subconscious told me to look to my right. When I did, I saw the toll ticket where I had placed it on the passenger seat. I gave the ticket to the collector who gruffly said, "What's this?" I replied that that was the ticket and that I'd just remembered I had it. "Sorry. Thirty cents, right?" I added. I then gave the toll that was due.

As I proceeded to go, the toll taker audibly muttered, "Retarded!" The job of toll collector is monotonous and dull, so his rudeness was understandable if not entirely called for. My lapse in memory was a catalyst for him to vent his frustration about the boring and noisy job he has. What really bothers me is forgetting about the toll ticket.

Now I must try not to dwell on his incident. I know that everyone makes mistakes, including embarrassing ones. But having OCD makes it hard for me to move on. Writing an account of it (as I'm doing here) helps me get it off my chest. Okay, I'm done.