I stood in line, my cart overflowing with boxes, meat, produce, and soda. I waited patiently as the older woman at the head of the line handed over her fistful of coupons then wrote out a check very slowly. The woman in front of me guffawed and the man in front of her shifted his weight from one foot to the other impatiently. None of the other lines were shorter. It didn't matter. I wasn't in a hurry.
The older woman handed over her check, wished the cashier a good day, and slowly ambled down the rest of the lane, supporting herself on the raised side of the conveyor belt. The man stepped forward, handed over a small blue box and paid quickly. He passed the older woman who had just made it to the door. "Maybe seven," I thought.
The woman in front of me moved forward. Her few items rolled down the belt just behind her, the summer sausage bumping into the cheese and crackers. She gave the clerk a strained smile and slid her card through the machine, glancing quickly at the large clock on the wall.
"Eight", I thought. "Same as 40 cents." I unloaded the front of my cart, placing my reusable shopping bags prominently at the front. I put the rest of my groceries on the belt, looking up to make sure my bags were being used. I paid my $118 bill and smiled. At the bottom of my receipt was a credit for .40 cents. At least I earned a little cash and balanced out the other customers waste.
*** One Minute Writer ***
Green bag the wonder of them. Much more prevalent on the west side I here.
ReplyDeleteI like this piece. A little confusing but I get it.
On a side note my little local grocery store (Miller and sons') gives the option of donating the credit to the food pantry. I always donate. I make me feel good.
Heather--Just wanted to congratulate you; I just gave you a One-Minute Writing of the Day award for 3/12. Congrats! :)
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