Man, today was a wild ride. I mean, I thought being a cashier in Camarate was just scanning stuff and saying “have a nice day,” but nah, not today.
So, I roll into work at the Pingo Doce on Rua da Liberdade, right? It’s a chill morning, sun’s shining, birds are chirping. I’m like, “Today’s gonna be easy-peasy.” But then, boom! The first customer walks in. This dude, I swear, he’s got a cart full of stuff. Like, who needs 10 packs of toilet paper? Seriously, bro?
Anyway, I’m scanning away, and suddenly the power goes out. Just like that! The lights flicker, and I’m standing there like a deer in headlights. The whole store goes silent. I’m thinking, “Great, just great. I’m gonna be stuck here forever.”
But then, the backup generator kicks in. Thank you, sweet baby Jesus! I’m back in business, but now the line is like a mile long. People are grumbling, and I’m just trying to keep my cool. I mean, it’s not my fault the power’s playing hide and seek, right?
Then, this lady comes up. She’s got a million coupons. I’m talking about the kind that make you wanna pull your hair out. She’s like, “Can you scan this one first?” I’m like, “Lady, I’m not a magician!” But I smile and do it anyway.
While I’m scanning, I notice the guy in line behind her. He’s got this look on his face like he’s about to explode. I mean, come on, it’s just a few minutes! But no, he’s huffing and puffing like he’s about to run a marathon. Chill, dude!
Finally, I get through the coupons, and the lady’s all happy. She saved like 5 euros. I’m thinking, “Congrats, you just made my life a living hell for 5 euros.” But whatever, I’m not bitter.
Then, outta nowhere, my buddy Miguel shows up. He’s got this huge grin on his face. I’m like, “What’s up, man?” He tells me he just got a promotion at work. I’m stoked for him! We’re high-fiving like we just won the lottery.
But then, the mood shifts again. This old man walks in, looking all confused. He’s trying to find the bread aisle, but he’s in the frozen food section. I’m like, “Dude, you’re in the wrong place!” But he just stares at me like I’m speaking Martian.
So, I take a break from the register and show him where the bread is. It’s on Rua da Paz, just a few steps away. He thanks me, and I feel like a hero for a second. But then I remember I still have a line of angry customers waiting.
Back at the register, I’m sweating bullets. The line’s still long, and I’m trying to keep it light. I crack a joke about how I should start charging for my “customer service” skills. Some people laugh, others just glare at me.
Then, the best part of the day happens. This little kid, maybe 5 years old, comes up to me with a chocolate bar. He’s got this big smile, and he says, “Can I pay with hugs?” I’m like, “Sure, buddy! I’ll take all the hugs!”
That totally made my day. I mean, who needs money when you’ve got hugs, right?
As the day winds down, I’m exhausted but happy. I walk home through the streets of Camarate, passing by the Praça da República. The sun’s setting, and everything feels right.
I think about all the craziness. The power outage, the coupons, the old man, and the kid. It’s just another day in Camarate, I guess. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade it for anything.