Man, what a day! I swear, being a cashier in Rueil-Malmaison is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety bar. So, I roll into work at this little supermarket on Rue des Bons Enfants, right? It’s a chill morning, sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be easy-peasy.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it was NOT.
First customer walks in. This lady, I swear, she’s got a cart full of stuff. Like, how much can one person buy? I mean, it’s not a buffet! She’s got everything from baguettes to those fancy organic avocados. And she’s chatting away, like I’m her therapist or something. “Oh, my cat’s name is Mr. Whiskers, and he just had a birthday party.” I’m like, “Cool, lady, but I gotta scan your stuff.”
Then, outta nowhere, the power goes out. Just poof! Lights off, registers down. I’m standing there like a deer in headlights. The customers? Total chaos. People are yelling, “What’s going on?” and “I have places to be!” I’m just trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m like, “Dude, it’s just a power outage, not the end of the world!”
So, I’m standing there, and I see my buddy, Pierre, from the bakery across the street on Rue de la République. He’s laughing at me through the window. I’m like, “Thanks for the support, man!” But then, he comes over with a fresh croissant. I mean, who can resist that? I take a bite, and it’s like heaven. But then, I remember I’m at work, and I can’t just munch on pastries all day.
Finally, the power comes back. Thank goodness! But now, the line is like a mile long. I’m scanning like a madman, and this one dude, he’s got a coupon for every single item. I’m talking 20 coupons. I’m losing my mind! “Dude, it’s not a treasure hunt!” I wanna scream, but I keep it cool.
Then, this sweet old lady comes up. She’s got a basket with just a few things. She looks at me and says, “You’re doing a great job, dear.” Aww, my heart melts! I smile, and it’s like a little sunshine in my day. But then, she drops her change everywhere. I’m scrambling to help her pick it up, and I’m thinking, “Why can’t today just chill for a sec?”
After that, I finally get a break. I step outside to catch my breath. Rueil-Malmaison is buzzing. The park nearby, Parc des Impressionnistes, is full of families. Kids are running around, and I’m just standing there, soaking it all in. I see the beautiful Château de Malmaison in the distance. It’s like a postcard. I think about how lucky I am to work in such a cool place.
But then, I hear a commotion. A guy on a bike zooms past, and he’s yelling about some protest. “Down with the prices!” he shouts. I’m like, “Dude, I’m just trying to sell groceries here!” But it’s kinda funny, too. Rueil-Malmaison is usually so chill, and now it’s like a scene from a movie.
Back to work, and the day drags on. I’m tired, but I keep smiling. I mean, it’s not all bad. I get to meet all these people. Some are grumpy, some are sweet, and some are just plain weird. Like this one guy who tried to pay with a handful of coins. I’m talking about a mini treasure chest! I’m counting, and he’s like, “It’s all there!” Sure, buddy, if you say so.
Finally, the clock hits closing time. I’m exhausted but happy. I step outside, and the sunset over Rueil-Malmaison is stunning. The sky is all pink and orange, and I think, “Yeah, today was a wild ride.” I walk home, passing by the little cafés on Rue de la Station, and I can’t help but smile.
Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what’ll happen? But for now, I’m just glad to be done. Rueil-Malmaison, you crazy place, I love ya!