The girl placed the little bag of rice on the counter with careful hands. It made a soft thud that somehow sounded too loud.
Then she pulled out her money.
Two crumpled dollar bills.
She smoothed them with her palm, as if hoping that might make them worth more.
Her voice came out barely above a whisper.
“Ma’am… can I buy this little bag of rice with just two dollars… please?”
The cashier finally looked down.
And sighed.
Loudly.
People in line shifted. Someone snorted. A man behind her muttered, “You’ve got to be kidding.”
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