Don't use checks in Retail (Otherwise Untitled)
#7 of Short Stories
An old rabbit is quite confused by the new coffee shop.
~ The old rabbit worried at his ear a bit, gazing up at the confusing mess of words, numbers, and subdued brown colors on the sign behind the counter. He still had time to sort this out, at least. The cashier and other customers didn't seem to be operating under any overwhelming sense of urgency. His gaze found what he presumed was a pictogram for coffee, with a bit of relief and a sigh.
~ He overheard some of the mysterious jargon being exchanged between the cashier and the wolf at the front of the line. He couldn't make heads or tails of any of it, as he tried to decide between a 'Parvus', 'Magna', and 'Magnus' coffee. His path to this strange place had begun with advice from the friends of his quilting group, and he fully intended to return to them with tales of whimsy and beverage. He settled on just pointing at a pot of coffee behind the counter. Or simply asking for a coffee, and hoping that something would happen that could be described as a transaction.
~ "May I take your order, sir?", the aged leporine found his search for a coffee pot to point at interrupted by the friendly badger standing before him.
~ The rabbit's pointing finger failed to guide itself to coffee, and his words had to intercede. "Erm, yes. A coffee. Please. Found as it is, no creamer or salt." He gave a short nod, as if to make clear that this was as far of a guidance as he'd be able to provide. He could only hope that the badger's smile contained the insight to complete the transaction based on such limited information.
~ The cashier continued to smile, giving the old bunny a moment to amend his statement before she began to knock away at the register's controls with various attributes, considersations, and presumed decisions. She looked back up to him. "One small coffee, black. That will be half a quids, sir." Her smile remained patient; the rabbit presumed this to be related to getting paid by the hour.
~ With an agreeable noise and a look of gratitude, he set his checkbook down on the counter and started searching his pockets for a pen. Though her smile remained unmoved, the badger's eyes assumed a look of panic. Her mind was racing, seeking some sort of rescue. A path out of the nightmare stumbled out into her words, "Ah. Sir, free sample. Yes. Today's got free samples on small coffees." She nodded agreeably, moving over to start pouring his cup before he had time to really consider the windfall or question her offer.
~ The graying rabbit returned her smile with his own, nodding thankfully as he turned to carry his cup of coffee out onto the boardwalk.