Man, what a day! I swear, being a cashier in Hillsborough is like riding a rollercoaster, but without the safety bar. So, I roll into work at the local Countdown on Hillsborough Rd, right? It’s a typical Tuesday, or so I thought.
First off, I’m already late. My alarm didn’t go off. Classic! I sprint down the street, dodging cars on Hillsborough Rd like I’m in some kinda video game. I mean, who knew the traffic could be so wild at 8 AM? I get to work, and the line is out the door. Seriously, it’s like everyone decided to do their shopping at the same time.
I’m scanning groceries like a madman. “Next! Next! Next!” I’m practically shouting. Then, this lady comes up with a cart full of stuff. I mean, FULL. She’s got everything from avocados to zoodles. I’m like, “Lady, do you really need 10 bags of chips?” But whatever, I keep scanning.
Then, outta nowhere, the power goes out. Just my luck, right? The lights flicker, and the registers go dead. I’m standing there, looking like a deer in headlights. The customers? They’re not happy. I can feel the tension. One dude starts yelling about how he’s got a meeting in 10 minutes. I’m like, “Bro, I’m not the one who cut the power!”
So, I’m trying to calm everyone down. “Hey, it’s just a little hiccup!” But they’re not having it. I mean, Hillsborough can be chill, but not when it comes to their groceries. I can see the frustration on their faces. I’m sweating bullets, thinking, “This is it. I’m gonna get fired.”
Finally, the power comes back on. Thank goodness! I’m back to scanning, but now I’m in a rush. I’m like a machine, just beep-beep-beeping away. Then, this kid runs up to me, maybe 10 years old, and he’s holding a chocolate bar. “Can I have this?” he asks. I’m like, “Sure, buddy, but you gotta pay for it.” He looks at me like I just told him to climb Mount Everest.
Then, out of nowhere, my mate Sam walks in. He’s got this massive grin on his face. “Dude, you won’t believe what just happened!” I’m thinking, “Please, not now!” But he’s all hyped up about some rugby game or whatever. I’m like, “Sam, I’m in the middle of a crisis here!”
After what feels like an eternity, the line finally dies down. I take a breather, and that’s when I notice the view from the store. Hillsborough is actually pretty nice. You can see the mountains in the distance, and the sky is this perfect blue. I’m like, “Wow, I’m lucky to be here.”
But then, just as I’m about to relax, this old dude comes up to me. He’s got a grumpy face, and he’s holding a can of beans. “These are expired!” he barks. I’m like, “Dude, chill! It’s just beans!” But he’s not having it. I’m ready to lose it.
Finally, I get through the shift. I’m exhausted but kinda proud. I survived the chaos. As I walk home down Hillsborough Rd, I can’t help but laugh. What a day! I mean, who knew being a cashier could be so wild?
I get home, kick off my shoes, and plop on the couch. I’m thinking about how tomorrow can’t possibly be as crazy. But knowing Hillsborough, I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.