20 2004 |
The cashier looks uncomfortable. The LDS kids say nothing. I wait patiently.
After a long pause, one asks, "How much are these lighters?"
"$1.65, no, $1.35."
Another long pause. The missionary with the skull-protection notices my presence and apologizes for being in the way.
They move aside, and I order cigarettes.
"Do you know where we could find a Zippo?" They ask.
I ignore them, unsure of who they were querying; if they asked again, I planned to tell them I don't smoke.
"We don't carry them here," they cashier replied.
"Do you think Sunmart has them?"
"Maybe," was enough of an affirmative for the mormon-thumpers. They headed for the door.
The cashier tore off my reciept and offered it for my signature.
"I wonder why they need a lighter like that?" she asked.
"Maybe they just need to start a few fires," I deadpanned.