She smiled back reluctantly when I smiled at her.  It is unlikely that I will ever know her name or whether she has family or friends.  Her personal circumstances will remain unknown to me. Her painfully slow movements were not appropriate for the busy cashier's booth that she occupied.

She appeared to be oblivious to the growing line of Christmas shoppers showing the strain.  With an air of boredom she honoured so-called "Price Matching."  Without a word she examined and returned worn competitors' flyers to customers and adjusted prices.  Not a word of greeting.  No expression of thanks.  Customer after customer.

With growing impatience and stoic silence customers filed through her aisle and finally whisked out the door relieved.  Then I ~ silently like the others ~ stood in front of this lady.  She slowly, painstakingly scanned each item in triple-slow motion.

Whatever is she doing? I asked myself.  It is unlikely that I will ever know or understand.  What I do know is that when I looked into her face and without a word, I smiled at her, she completed the transaction and for the first time in three-quarters of an hour ~ most likely an eight hour shift ~ she uttered the words "Merry Christmas.  Have a good day."


~ lbw