At lunchtime I pop into Tesco’s -

Bad timing for speed

But I need a few things for tea.

 

There’s a long line at the speedy self-service

And the counters and cashiers are worse

So I fall into last place of baskets only

Sighing

When I spot a clear counter

With a new cashier!

 

I move fast

And beat a laden cart to first place.

Hard on my heels darts a young man

Mid-thirties maybe

With his sandwich and soda for lunch.

I flash him a smile: Aren’t we lucky!

 

Quickly  but orderly I set out my items

So I can pack without squashing fruit

Or fresh bread.

I’m fishing for a fiver when

The young man leans forward:

I’m single.

 

I find that bill and my Tesco card

Hand these to the girl and turn sweetly:

Never married - single?

Divorced - single?

Or separated - single?

A snort erupts behind the register.

 

Ah …………………………...

But I’m fast.

I pocket my change, whisk up my goods

Smile again at the eager chap

With the healthy pink adenoids

And I’m gone.

 

At least he was honest.

I feel kind of bad – but not too much.

My rings were flashing under his nose.

 

 

 

Cynthia Buell Thomas

May, 2014