For want of a coin
Yesterday, I was in MPH 1Utama when I remembered something that had happened the day before.
You see, the day before, I'd been in the same MPH outlet. (Other people go clubbing for recreation; I hang out in bookshops. I know, that's so sad, isn't it?) Anyway, as I was queuing up at the cashier -- did you really expect me to walk out of a bookshop without buying anything? -- there was this guy right before me in the line...
Yeah, I know you're expecting me to say something like, he was so good-looking :P
But what caught my attention was the way he was counting out 10- and 20-cent coins on the counter. His purchases had come up to $25.50* and I was wondering whether he was gonna pay the entire amount in coins. It amused me coz I remembered how whenever I'm broke I take all the coins I've saved and haul 'em to the bank. So I just stood by and observed him, letting him take his time.
Well, the guy counted out $5 in coins and then hauled out two $10 notes. Then he ran into problems -- he needed another 50 cents but had only 20 cents left! Looking disappointed but resigned, he took out another $10 note and the cashier made as if to return him all his coins.
He asked if he could exchange the coins with a $5 note, and the cashier called for her colleague (supervisor?) who was at the other end of the counter. What's the big deal? I thought. You're gonna have to open the cash register anyway when you punch in his payment...
I checked and found I had 30 cents in my purse, so, to save all the hassle, I leant forward and dropped the money in his palm. I think he was surprised! But, since he'd spent a bit of time painstakingly counting out all those coins, I thought it would be a pity if he'd had to take them back ;) Besides, what's 30 cents anyway?
He was appreciative; he thanked me and told me he'd been trying to use up all his coins. (Pretty heavy they must have been, too.) I grinned and said no problem. Actually, for some reason the whole incident just had me tickled pink, and I intended to blog about it, except that I forgot. But I've remembered now. So, uh, yeah. That's it, folks. LOL