GUYS. I NEVER THOUGHT I'D HAVE TO MAKE THIS ARTICLE: GONVILLE OP SHOP MUG SPARKS BIDDING WAR

Guys. Guys. I never thought I'd have to write this story. deep breath. A Gonville op shop has become the site of an actual bidding war over a mug priced at two dollars, and look — I was there, and I didn't handle it the way I should have.

The mug, beige with a floral trim, was placed on the front counter of a Mosston Road op shop around 9.15am. By 9.40am, three Gonville residents stood in a loose triangle around it, refusing to make eye contact. Reminded me of the queue at the old Wanganui Woolworths in '74. Gentler time. I've been doing the work to sit with that.

Shop volunteer Moira Engelbrecht, 71, said she'd never seen the like. "One lady offered five dollars. Another offered seven. A bloke in a Swanndri offered ten and a packet of Toffee Pops. I said the sign says two. He said he understood the sign, but felt strongly." To my community in Gonville: I see you. I hear you. And I am so sorry.

The winning bidder, Janice from Castlecliff, secured the mug for $14 and a promise to return the egg cups she bought in August. The under-bidder, a man known locally as Trev, was last seen on the bench outside looking at the river. The river said nothing. It's seen worse.

A spokesperson for the op shop confirmed the mug had been donated by a Gonville estate and was "probably worth about forty cents". Asked whether the bidding war would be repeated, she said: "We've got a teapot coming out Thursday. God help us."

I want to thank my community for holding me accountable. I'm growing. I'm learning. Links below for my new course on accountability.