Man, what a day! I swear, being a cashier in Longton is like being in a never-ending rollercoaster. So, I roll into work at the Co-op on The Strand, right? It’s a typical Tuesday, or so I thought.
First off, the weather was all over the place. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s pouring like the heavens opened up. I’m standing there, watching people run in from the rain, looking like drowned rats. And I’m just there, trying to keep my cool.
Then, this old bloke comes in. He’s got a shopping cart full of stuff. I mean, full! Like, did he think he was preparing for the apocalypse or something? He’s got everything from baked beans to a massive pack of toilet roll. I’m like, “Mate, you do know it’s just Tuesday, right?” But whatever, I’m not judging.
So, I start scanning his stuff, and he’s chatting away about the good ol’ days. He’s rambling about Longton back in the day, when the High Street was buzzing. I’m nodding along, but inside I’m like, “Can we speed this up, please?” I’ve got a queue forming, and it’s not just any queue. It’s the “I’m in a hurry but also want to complain” kind of queue.
Then, outta nowhere, this kid runs in. He’s soaked, obviously just came from the park on The Green. He’s got a massive ice cream cone in his hand. I’m thinking, “How did you manage that?” But he’s grinning like he just won the lottery. I can’t help but smile. Kids, man. They see the world differently.
But then, the kid drops the ice cream. SPLAT! Right on the floor. I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” The old bloke looks horrified, and I’m just trying to keep it together. I grab a mop, and as I’m cleaning it up, I hear someone shout from the back of the queue, “Oi! Hurry up!”
I’m like, “Really? You think I’m the one who dropped the ice cream?” But I just keep mopping, trying not to lose my cool.
Finally, I get back to scanning. The old bloke pays, and I’m relieved. But then, the next customer is this woman with a million coupons. I mean, come on! It’s like she’s got a PhD in couponing. She’s there, flipping through them like it’s a deck of cards. I’m standing there, tapping my foot, thinking about how I could be outside enjoying the sun (if it wasn’t raining).
After what feels like an eternity, she finally pays. I’m about to breathe a sigh of relief when the power goes out. Just my luck, right? The lights flicker, and the whole shop goes dark. People start panicking. I’m like, “Chill, it’s just a power cut!” But no one listens.
So, I’m standing there in the dark, trying to keep everyone calm. I’m like, “Hey, it’s just like being in a horror movie, right?” No one laughs. Tough crowd.
Eventually, the power comes back on, and I’m back to scanning. But now, everyone’s in a mood. I can feel the tension. I’m just trying to get through the day without losing my mind.
Then, this lovely old lady comes up. She’s got a few items, and she’s so sweet. She starts telling me about her garden on Church Street. I can see the sparkle in her eyes as she talks about her roses. It’s like a breath of fresh air. I’m smiling, and for a moment, I forget about the chaos.
But then, just as I’m about to finish her transaction, the fire alarm goes off. Seriously? I’m like, “Not again!” Everyone starts moving towards the exit, and I’m just standing there, thinking, “Do I grab my stuff or just run?”
In the end, we all pile outside, standing in the rain again. I’m soaked, but I can’t help but laugh. It’s just one of those days, you know?
After a while, they let us back in. I finish my shift, and as I’m walking home down The Strand, I can’t help but think about how wild the day was. Longton, you’ve got your quirks, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
I get home, kick off my shoes, and just collapse on the couch. What a day! I’m exhausted but somehow happy. Longton, you crazy little town, you’ve got my heart.