|
|
|
|
Sep 21st, 2004, 12:37 PM
Chapter 3: The Atmosphere
As the manager approached the register, I first glanced impatiently at my watch, hopefully conveying the fact that my time was more important than her's, being as it is that I was hungry, and was starting to get a caffeine headache.
But then my eyes were drawn to the enormous ring of keys hanging from her belt. There were no less than 50 keys on the ring. I was astounded, and intrigued. Why was Dunkin' Donuts inundated with so many locks? Must have something to do with the war on terror. I wasn't about to ask.
The "manager" was short and frazzled. But, she clearly meant business. She came to the register and calmly listened to the cashier's explanation of what had happened.
Meanwhile, I was now looking around and taking in all of my surroundings. I was immediately overwhelmed by my out-of-placeness. Everyone in the establishment was some sort of a Spanish/Native American hybrid. I was Italian/Irish, stood no less than a foot taller than everyone else, and had a different primary language.
I felt isolated, as I was the only customer without 6-11 kids hanging from each limb. I also smelled strongly of soap, and having showered this month. But, as I had previously mentioned, I was determined. Normally, I would have paid the 51 cents extra and left, but I was growing irritated, and this would be my fight on principle for the day.
Stay tuned.....
| |
| |
|
|
Hybrid Mode
