Man, what a day! I swear, being a cashier in Chorzów is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I roll into work at this little shop on ul. Wolności, right? The sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m thinking, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it was NOT chill.
First customer walks in. This dude, I swear, he’s got a face like he just lost a bet. He’s fumbling with his wallet, dropping coins everywhere. Like, bro, we’re not at the market on ul. Katowicka, just pay already! I’m standing there, trying to keep my cool, but inside I’m like, “C’mon, man! I got a line forming!”
Then, outta nowhere, this lady storms in. She’s got a shopping cart full of stuff. I mean, FULL. Like, she’s preparing for the apocalypse or something. She starts throwing items on the counter like she’s in a competition. “I need this, and this, and that!” I’m just trying to scan and bag, but she’s talking a mile a minute. “Did you see the new park on ul. 3 Maja? It’s so nice!” I’m like, “Lady, I’m just trying to survive this checkout!”
And then, the power goes out. Just like that. One minute, I’m ringing up her groceries, the next, it’s pitch black. I’m standing there, holding a can of beans like it’s a torch. Everyone’s freaking out. I’m thinking, “Great, now I’m stuck in a horror movie in Chorzów.”
But wait, it gets better. The lights flicker back on, and guess what? The register’s frozen. I’m hitting buttons like I’m playing a video game. Nothing. I’m sweating bullets. The lady’s still talking about the park, and I’m like, “Lady, I can’t even park my thoughts right now!”
Finally, I manage to reboot the register. Thank the heavens! But now, the line is out the door. I’m ringing up customers like a madman. “Next! Next! What do you want?!” I’m practically a cashier ninja at this point.
Then, this kid walks in. He’s got a balloon, right? And he’s bouncing it around like it’s the most precious thing in the world. I can’t help but smile. Kids are the best. But then, BOOM! The balloon pops. The kid starts crying like he just lost his best friend. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” So, I grab a pack of gum and hand it to him. “Here, buddy. This is way cooler.” He stops crying and gives me the biggest grin. I’m feeling like a hero for a second.
But then, my break finally comes. I step outside to get some fresh air on ul. Chorzowska. I’m thinking, “Man, I need a drink.” I pop into a little café and grab a coffee. The barista is super chill, and we start chatting about the new mall opening up. I’m like, “Dude, I can’t wait to check it out!”
But just as I’m about to take a sip, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss. “We’re short-staffed. Can you come back early?” Ugh, seriously? I just wanted five minutes of peace!
So, I head back, and the chaos is still going. I’m back at the register, and this old man comes in. He’s got a shopping list longer than my arm. I’m trying to keep it together, but he’s asking me about every item. “Do you have this? What about that?” I’m like, “Dude, I’m not a walking encyclopedia!”
Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted, but I made it through. I step outside, and the sun’s setting over Chorzów. The sky’s all orange and pink, and I’m just standing there, taking it all in.
I think about the crazy day, the people, the chaos. Chorzów is wild, man. But it’s home. And even on the craziest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.