The Supermarket

I have eight dollars. Yesterday I bought a carton of milk, it costed five ninety-nine. The elderly cashier smiled at me, her false teeth a youthful shine. I waved goodbye, but as I turned my back her mouth formed a grim line. Later I bought a two dollar candy cane. I would see in time. Today I bought a carton of milk. It was seven seventy-five. The middle-aged man at the counter greeted me, the corners of his mouth pulled taut. My mouth didn't even strive. I bought a sweet for twenty five cents. Oh how I would see in time. Tomorrow I will buy a carton of milk. It will be eight ninety-nine. The young teenager at the register won't smile, his eyes would be laden with dark circles. I wouldn't bother glancing at him. I would look at the eight dollars in my hand and then the reality of the stark would hit. I would pocket my money with a sigh, and I would leave the supermarket. Oh how the time has caught me.