In San Francisco’s Japan Town, the male cashier at Nijiya Market is always super friendly and polite. Even if you’re in another line, if his register opens up, he’ll kindly call you over to check out. He’s the definition of a dedicated worker. Today, I was dragging my feet leaving school and got caught in the rain, worried the store might close before I got there. Thankfully, I made it just in time. It felt like the rain washed away all today’s fatigue.
Personally, I prefer this place over Whole Foods* because it’s closer to home. I was mentally planning tonight’s dinner, tossing this and that into my shopping basket. Maybe I was just hungry, but everything looked so fresh! Loaded up, I joined the line behind the register, and soon it was my turn. The cashiers here are always so quick! Normally, I’m just the silent type who places the basket on the counter, but today, feeling unusually warm-hearted, I decided to chat like the locals do.
“Could you check me out, please?”
“Sure.”
“These peaches taste amazing (smile).”
“That’ll be twenty-five bucks (said flatly).”
…..
…
Hey! It’s not like I chatted you up because I like you! I was just in a good mood, happy to make it before closing time! And those peaches? They weren’t that special. I only smiled because a funny YouTube clip from last night popped into my head. And no, I have zero intention of sharing that clip with you. So, how about swiping my card already?!
“You need to swipe it yourself.”
“Yeah…”
Is he reading my mind? It got a bit spooky for a moment. 🤔
* The Whole Foods in San Francisco shut down in 2023 due to security issues.
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