(A scruffy looking customer comes into the store. He is wearing his pajamas, bright colored running shoes, and a scarf. He looks like he has not slept for weeks. He walks around the store for five minutes before coming to the line at the register. It is just after midnight.)
Me: “Good evening, sir.”
Scruffy Customer: *mumbles*
(He has three items: anchovies, asparagus in a jar, and bacon-flavored chips.)
Me: “Will that be all, sir? Do you want a bag for your items?”
Scruffy Customer: “No and yes, thank you.”
(He reaches for his pocket and takes out his car keys, ruffles around other pockets to look for his wallet, and finds nothing. Something breaks inside of him. He puts a hand to cover his eyes and is starting to turn away from me.)
Scruffy Customer: “I am sorry; she is going to kill me.”
(He starts to walk out. Another customer in line speaks up.)
Customer: “When is she due?”
Scruffy Customer: “What?”
Customer: “When is she due?”
Scruffy Customer: “In three weeks or so. How did you know?”
Customer: “Buying strange things in the middle of the night wearing pajamas. That is kind of a recipe for a guy who has a pregnant girl at home.”
Scruffy Customer: “Yeah, I guess so.”
(The scruffy customer starts to walk out again.)
Customer: “Hey, go get your stuff on the counter. I will pay for you.” *to me* “How much is it?”
Me: “Uhh… 76 kroner with my staff discount.”
Customer: “Wow, anchovies, asparagus and bacon flavored chips. She has got it bad!”
Scruffy Customer: “If it’s smelly, spicy or has a strange texture, she has to have it. I think she has tried everything in those categories. Except for shark meat, I think.”
(The scruffy customer smiles, and the other customers at the register give out a laugh. He thanks the customer for paying, and tries to get his information to pay him back. The other customers there start to talk to him, give him advice and try to lift his spirits. He now has a four-month-old daughter, and does not look scruffy anymore!)
