A cashier whispers silent calculations to herself as she counts change into her cash drawer. She looks straight ahead, at a point past my right shoulder. She finishes counting and focuses on me. Her eyes are the same color as her dress.
She’s enthusiastic about everything I say to her. I give all the right answers. I say, “I’ll have English Breakfast tea,” and she says that’s “perfect”. The chocolate chip cookie with apricot pieces is “awesome”. She’s happy that everything is working out so well.
To her coworker, she says, “Is that the water for his tea?”
“Uh huh.”
“Cool!”