Patiently Aware

(I see a customer order a specialty frozen blended drink in the drive-thru and three kid-size ones, with no coffee, for the kids.)

Cashier: “One moment, please. I need to figure out how to key these in and there are several blended drinks in front of yours.”

(It takes a few minutes, but definitely not more than five. The cashier apologizes several times for the wait. The kids are a little restless but nothing unmanageable. Meanwhile the poor cashier hasn’t stopped running herself ragged taking and filling orders. Finally, she starts handing out drinks.)

Cashier: “I am so sorry again for the wait.”

Customer: “Look, I came in during lunch rush, ordered four specialty drinks, and I haven’t seen you stop moving since I pulled up. I’m not gonna yell at you or call to complain and I don’t want anything free. Put my change in your tip jar and relax a bit.”

Cashier: “Thank you.”

Customer: “I worked retail five years. I’ve been there. Have a nice day.”