Small Town Living in the Big City

"The line's back there, you know."

"Don't worry, I'm not going to cut in front of you!"

"Actually, I spoke to a Whole Foods employee, and he told me that this was the line."

"Hold my place — and make sure we're in the right line. Apparently that's difficult for people to figure out around here."

I can't bear it. The man asked to watch his friend's overstocked cart seems like a nice guy. I smile. "I think everyone's confused because the line normally goes that way, but today, for some reason, it's going this way."

He holds up his hands. "I'm new here."

"Welcome."

"It seems like they're all long lines."

"They go fast. I just didn't want to see anyone get hurt. I'd like to think we can all merge like adults."

The woman behind nods in agreement. "Yes! If we each let one person in..." The line zigs and zags around the bread island, carts creaking at cooperative angles.

It's addictive. On the bus ride home, I help an older couple count out street signs in the dark. The bus lets them off, they nod and wave.

© Zan McQuade. All rights reserved.