The Checkout

I just had a memory of something that happened to me, at the beginning of the semester, in the fall of ’10. It was sometime during the first week of classes, and on my way home I remembered that I had promised my wife that I would pick up a few things that she needed: flour, sugar eggs, and a variety of vegetables to make a salad to have with dinner. I am not sure why the list is still distinct in my memory; it probably has something to do with the incident that followed.

While paying for my few items I decided to get cash back, $20 for pocket change. There were two young ladies, the cashier and the bagger. I suspected that the cashier was training or new at her position because she had several questions that she asked the bagger. I felt for her as she made a mistake trying to give cash back. I’m not sure what she did but, they had to call a manager over for assistance. After starting completely over she made several apologies. I told her to, “relax”, “you’re new”, I said, “It happens”. After several more apologies from both girls I was handed my $20 of which I had asked to be broken down, and the receipt. At that very moment my phone began to ring and I shoved everything into my pocket. It was my wife reminding me of the grocery list. She was pleased that I had remembered and I was on my way. Now, this is the part of the story that makes a simple trip to buy groceries so memorable. The new girl had given me five, fives instead of four. I knew that I had only asked for $20 and remembered pushing the button for it. Maybe asking for it to be broken down is what tripped her up? By now I was tired, hungry and a little lazy. I didn’t go back in and went home with the extra five. I would return it when I was in there again. We shop there often.

I could not help feeling guilty. It was on my mind and I asked advice from a few different people. Some said to just keep it. Another even considered it a blessing. My wife thought that I should have done it right away. Needless to say I returned the ominous five dollar bill the next week. The manager was so surprised about my “honesty” that he kept thanking me and shaking my hand as if it were some sort of divine occurrence. The situation proved to be unusual as three of them put their heads together to figure out how to re-deposit the money. He asked if I knew who the young lady was and the best I could do was give a description and the day that I was there. It seems that a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and conscience after returning such a small amount.