It was only a sneeze

Just went for the Covid test which is mandated before getting back to school. It was a drive through testing facility - very systematic, good directional signs , no crowd , extremely clean and hygienic- so typical of this wonderful country . However there was a car with a family beside me( 2 meters away) who had just completed their test and were making the payment . Cute little kid jumping around on the back seat and looking at me being tested . Happy family and so well dressed ! As soon as the nurse extracted the swab after first gently pushing it up my nostril, I had a fit of involuntary sneezing and I sneeze pretty loud . For all intents and purposes I must state, that my sneeze has caused people to turn and stare in the past in the pre - Covid days, not to mention causing a certain degree of embarrassment to my family when they have been with me . I once sneezed in church in Pune . Even the priest had a moment and I can swear he smiled while the altar boys had a fit of giggling - it didn't help that we were seated in the first row and all noises in churches always seem to echo so loudly . I looked around sheepishly and a few friends sitting in the pew behind us were hysterical . So much for a simple sneeze, but it did cause a stir . Anyway back to today - The people in that car, hearing me sneeze , immediately put up their car window, had an exchange of words and peered at me with a rather incredulous look on their faces . The little kid seemed stunned . I could be wrong but the gentleman driving the car seemed to go white in the face . Then again it was rather sunny, so I am not too sure . Come on guys - it was only a sneeze I thought to myself ! For some obscure reason I suddenly felt so very guilty so I mouthed the word ' sorry' in their direction and smiled which I now feel must have looked pathetic . They probably saw me as they smiled back and waved almost apologetically . Probably they felt a bit guilty too, although I was actually the offending party ! Both cars went their separate ways . They were in animated discussion while driving off . Maybe they were discussing me and my sneeze ? Probably not . A sneeze is no big deal is it ? Actually in this day and age it is - only rivalled by a cough . Close encounters of the Covid kind ! That ends my little story .