Today, I became a reverse shop lifter

I still go cold when I think about it- today  I was almost mistaken for a shoplifter.

I intended to return a can of salmon I’d bought by mistake – it was salmon and chilli I had wanted plain salmon. To be sure of returning it , I’d put it and the store receipt in my handbag. There were a few other chores to do first- and when we got to the supermarket I breezed right in and started shopping.

Half way round I realised I was supposed to be  returning the salmon , so I asked my husband to get it from the car. He returned shaking his head, saying “Its not there. you must have it.”

I opened my handbag and there nestling inside was the tin of salmon- too late to try and explain it away. I swear I must have flushed red with embarrassment. What to do? I was expecting  store security to accost me at any second.

“Give it me,” my husband hissed and I glanced around me before stealthily sliding the can into his hand. He strolled  away to  return it to the shelf and I continued shopping.

I only relaxed when we had not only left the store but left the car park. Did I do right? What would you have done?