9:55 PM, stop at the store before I get home.

A long last line before closing time.

Two women beg to be taken care of, lest they’ll be late and miss a dance or two.

Tired faces front and back.

The cashier recognizes me, smiles at me. I smile back.

The man before me throw his items on the conveyor belt as if they were pieces of shit.

He carries an unpleasant odor. Along with a bored look. He does not look happy.

As a matter of fact, no one seems happy. I whistle loud and no one disapproves.

I help an old man behind me with a couple of items.

He smiles and says thanks to me.

It’s my turn, enough of this night shopping.

Let’s go home. Have a glass or two, brush my teeth and go to bed.

Ernesto Onofre