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clavus · 07-17-2003, 08:12 AM

The woman in front of me was buying a few basic things – beans, eggs , milk, etc. She had her little girl with her. It was clear that they spoke very little English. When the cashier told her the total, she carefully counted out her money, and didn’t have enough. So she asked the cashier to take a few things off. Back over the scanner they went– BEEP! milk, BEEP! Beans, etc until she could afford her purchase.

In my head, I boldly told the cashier, “Put that on my bill,” as I swiped my ATM card through the machine.

But in real life, I did nothing.

Why? Because I couldn’t afford it? Hell no. My reason was stupid. I stood there and dithered, and let a moment to help slip away because I was afraid of offending the woman. I knew nothing about her or her culture, and was afraid that she’d misinterpret my action.

How stupid. A little girl didn’t get any milk because I was afraid of offending her mother. I want to kick my own ass right now.

07-17-2003, 08:12 AM	#1 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	I am a shithead The woman in front of me was buying a few basic things – beans, eggs , milk, etc. She had her little girl with her. It was clear that they spoke very little English. When the cashier told her the total, she carefully counted out her money, and didn’t have enough. So she asked the cashier to take a few things off. Back over the scanner they went– BEEP! milk, BEEP! Beans, etc until she could afford her purchase. In my head, I boldly told the cashier, “Put that on my bill,” as I swiped my ATM card through the machine. But in real life, I did nothing. Why? Because I couldn’t afford it? Hell no. My reason was stupid. I stood there and dithered, and let a moment to help slip away because I was afraid of offending the woman. I knew nothing about her or her culture, and was afraid that she’d misinterpret my action. How stupid. A little girl didn’t get any milk because I was afraid of offending her mother. I want to kick my own ass right now. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.