a list of things that startle:

an unexpected tap on the shoulder
turning to find someone standing right behind you
the sudden realization that you’re driving down a One Way street
…the wrong way
the shocking revelation that a family member is dead.
taking an afternoon nap and waking up
in darkness to realize it’s 7 pm
the first snowflakes in autumn
a phone ringing at 3 in the morning
dads in Speedos
a baby crying in a concert
being deserted by someone you thought a friend
a kind deed from someone you thought an enemy
the cold “plop” of a raindrop on your forehead
and an unexpected tap on the shoulder