Driving to the grocery store early on Saturday, I saw a woman driving a Jeep packed with toilet paper. When I did, I chuckled to myself.

Then I pulled into the parking lot, which was already full. It had never been like that so early in the morning, even at the holidays.

As soon as I saw that, a small rush of adrenaline went through me. Suddenly, I knew I needed to park quickly. Then, after getting out of the car, I saw people almost running into the store. So, I picked up my pace.

Once inside, I noticed many of the shelves were empty or emptying. Which is when another burst of adrenaline hit me. And, which is also when I thought of all those scenes I’d seen in the past on TV where crowds were panicking.

I felt that panic starting to tingle along my arms, too, as I went into a primal “protector” role, wanting to make sure I could get what I needed for my family. Then, I took a deep breath, slowed my pace and bought what I could.

No, I can’t tell you why people think they’re buying so much toilet paper, beyond believing they may be quarantined for a long period because of the coronavirus. But I do know the real reason they’re buying it.

Fear.

And that is nothing to laugh at.

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