Thursday's Treasure

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So.  Tuesday I was feeling a little blah.  Didn't feel like doing much of anything on the mile long to-do list.  Instead of moaning around the house driving my husband insane, I decided to go to the gym and then treat myself to a stop at a new thrift shop. 

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When I arrived at the strip mall, I got a parking spot right in front of the shop.  Instead of hopping right out, though, I decided to play with our car's navigation system for a minute.  I wanted to see if there were any other secondhand stores in the vicinity, since I was in unfamiliar territory. 

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As I'm punching buttons and trying to remember how to use this technology, my driver's side door is thrown open.  Quickly.  Fully.  Forcefully.  By a man I've never seen before.

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My reaction: loud, long, bloodcurdling scream.

His reaction:  Hands up.  Backing away.  "Oh my gosh, ma'am!  I am so, so sorry!  I thought this was my car!  I'm so sorry."

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Indeed, his red SUV was parked right next to mine. 
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A silly mistake, but I was rattled all day by the fact that I was so engrossed in what I was doing, I hadn't even seen him approach.  What if this had been a person intent on doing harm?  I shudder to think.

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On the bright side, I was glad my reaction was what it was.  Now I know I won't be one of those people struck mute with terror.  I'm also very glad this happened - even though I did think for a short minute that I might just have a heart attack.  I'm glad because I learned a lesson, and I can share it with you.  It doesn't matter if you'll only be a minute, or you're in a nice neighborhood, or you're just waiting for your husband to run into the store for milk.  When you are sitting in a parked car, lock your doors.  

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Have you ever had a similar experience, or a scare that taught you an important lesson?  Please share so that we can all benefit from your experience!