i’m in the bookstore at the union in line to
purchase a protein bar seeing as i just came out the gym and had class for the
next 3 hours. everyone in here looks young, but old. it’s a strange dichotomy,
but that’s niether here nor there. i’m 3rd in line. the guy at the register is
purchasing 2 instant noodle packages, the fancy kind that comes in the warm up
black tray already. when the cashier tells him his total, he reaches into his
pocket and pulls out a small roll of cash, then a ziplock full of coins. he
pays his total in almost all pennies. it takes 2 or 3 minutes for the
transaction to finish. not that i mind, i just found it strange he had cash but
paid in majority pennies. the kid/guy in front of me attempts to purchase a
candy. the candy ends up being $2.54. he hands her 2 dollar bills with assorted
coins. as i’m looking at the coins, i’m thinking to myself that it isn’t enough.
the cashier tells him, and he decides to pick out a different candy. he picks
out two before he finds one that isn’t over his limit. i get up, pay, and
attend my classes.
after, i stop by the post office to send out a turkey day card. i reach into my change holder in the middle console of my car and grab 2 quarters thinking it would be plenty. i get up, ask the lady for a stamp, and she tells me my total is 55 cents. i end up paying with card and taking my two quarters back to the change holder.
oh the irony.
-ratha, 4:36pm, 11.26.19