Trolley folly

There you stand. Finally. From 6th in line 15 minutes ago when you joined the supermarket queue, you are next in line. Then you spot it. As the cashier scans each item for the person in front, you realise you're behind a special sort of shopper. 

Almost every item has a sticker advertising a price reduction, usually because it has reached, or is close to, sell by date. Why didn't you notice while you were waiting? You've had plenty of time! You could have switched queues. 

It's OK in itself , of course, but you know from past experience the sticker-putter-onners have an uncanny knack of slapping the reduced price label right across the bar code. The inevitable struggle between cashier, technology, sticky paper and price listing guides ensues. Much as you wish for it, you know the person in front isn't going to say "It's OK, don't bother. I'll do without that one. And that one ..." 

Then, eventually, after everything has been placed into carrier bags, it's time to pay. It's as if it comes as a surprise. Casually, without embarrassment, a slow (and apparently methodical) search for purse or wallet follows. Eventually it's found in some dark crevice. If you're luck's really in, a further search for the precise change may follow, and that may involve (heaven forbid) a different purse or wallet. Oh, and then of course there's the loyalty card to be found. 

By now you're starting to feel concerned about the fish and the tubs of ice cream in your trolley. Then, just when you think it couldn't get any worse (and by the way, the lady who was 10th in the queue opposite yours when you we're 6th, has just paid up and left), the roll-call of tokens starts. Some are accepted . Some are not. Some scan. Some don't. 

Deep joy ...