Shopping While Black

 


I've spent all morning thinking and writing out a grocery list. I've came up with what meals I want to make, what seasonings I'm out of, everyone's favorite snacks, juices, and my personal favorite, bottled water (I dehydrate easily). I finally manage to grab my toddler and her comfort blanket and we're on the way to the store. Alas, we arrived, and I get her into the shopping cart with a little resistance from her (she'd rather run free). I reach for my list just to discover I've left it right inside my house. Great! Oh well, a little improvisation will do just fine. I start shopping, recalling as much of my list as I can, and what I can't remember will be fine. I walk a little slowly. I need to focus on finding the best prices to not overspend and best food quality. With the shelves so empty from lack of products or lack of workers to stock products, it's extremely difficult to find all the ingredients. My daughter is humming "Wheels on the Bus" mindlessly as I roam the aisles. "Mam, do you need help finding anything," a worker asks me in a flat monotone voice. "I'm okay, but thank you," I answer uninterested in the ingenuine customer service attempt. I continue my shopping trip. A few moments later, another employee quickly dashes by me and asks, "Mam, do you need help finding anything?" "I'm okay but thank you." My daughter and I once again continue our trip. Now, just a few occasional stares as we shop. Finally, we're ready to check out. There's only one cashier with a line of customers with carts overstuffed with items. We'll reluctantly use a self-checkout register. I don't have too many things so it shouldn't be too bad. Plus, I've worked as a cashier before, so it'll be a breeze.  As I start to scan, an employee checks on me asking, "Can I help you with anything, mam?" "I'm fine, but thank you," I respond as I finish the transaction feeling their gaze. My receipt prints, I keep it in my hand to show the employee waiting by the door because I have nothing to worry about. 

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