...and then i found five dollars...

was the real end of someone's sentence today. i went to the bank on my lunch hour to cash the $9 check my roommate had given me to pay the electric bill. somewhere in between the bank counter and half a block down craig street, i was $5 short. i traced my steps, nothing. i went back to the bank and explained that i was just there, and i knew it wasn't likely, but had anyone found a five dollar bill on the ground or the counter? the girl didn't even answer me. she called her manager over and explained my question in a suspicious toned whisper. "ahem...this young lady says she lost five dollars here..."

C'MON PEOPLE. FIVE DOLLARS! i'm not claiming to have misplaced the net worth of China here!

"Today?" the manager turns to me and asks, raised eyebrow for my personal benefit.
"Yes, today, about 10 minutes ago."

More staff gather around. this is clearly the most interesting thing they've encountered all day.

"I think i may have accidently left it on the counter or dropped it on the floor. I know it's a long shot but..."
"WELL, we can't SEE the counters, you know" says the manager in a tone that makes me feel like i should go to my room.
"Yes, I know...thanks anyway.."
The woman who cashed my check earlier comes over. "What's going on??" The story is repeated. They talk among themselves, now all with eyebrows raised.
"Well, give us your name and number in case it...turns up." says the manager and smiles that business-y smile.

WHAT?!? Why? Why even go there? It's clearly NOT going to "turn up." No need to make me feel more foolish. A "no, sorry" would have sufficed. I begrudgingly scribbled down my number muttering under my breath, turned and left, five dollars poorer and dignity slightly intact.


Well, i hope whoever found it needed it more than i did. Touche, God for again, reiterating that the money i have is not my own.