Percy was about to lose his religion. He'd been in line for twenty-three minutes, and the tall, spindly gentleman five spots in front of him was relentlessly arguing with the poor woman at the desk who was just trying to do her job. Percy wasn't even paying attention to what was said, and he didn't even care, really. He just wanted to get his business done, preferably BEFORE Sunday morning.
The man was shrill and loud, like he wanted all of creation to hear of his misery. His dark coat flapped angrily as he waved his arms. The lady, whom Percy knew personally, couldn't even be heard from where he was, but she was leaning forward and making placating gestures as she spoke. Her patience was infinite, and she was level-headed; Percy liked that about her.
He saw the man cut out of line - praise the gods! He was leaving!
No.
Not even close.
The man had just stepped aside to pull out his phone. The small woman pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation. He was sending a message on social media! Percy couldn't believe it.
Go ahead, buddy. Tell everyone what an idiot the lady at the counter is. By all means, finish that Instagram post. Put in a few hashtags for good measure. You go right ahead. Pay no mind to the people behind you.
The desk worker cleared her throat. "Sir, why don't you step out for now and let these people go ahead while this gets sorted out?"
The man thrust his phone into his back pocket. "I'm out of here! I'll be back later, ya hear?" He stormed out.
Percy's patience was restored. He fidgeted absently as the line moved onward. Before he knew it, it was finally his turn.
"Morning, Zaira," he smiled and cordially greeted the tiny Indian woman. "How have you been?"
"I'm alright," she adjusted her rimless glasses. "Finally got over my cold, at least. What can I do for you?"
"I'm just here to pay my bill."
She turned a screen towards him. "Enter your info, please. You know the drill."
Percy input his address into the computer.
"What was that one dude going off about?" He asked as he typed.
Zaira spoke without looking up from her work. "Oh, the man in the maroon coat? Someone made a small mistake when putting in numbers. He had to come in and wait while we fixed it all and set us straight. He says we missed a client, and we ruined his whole day."
"And yelling would obviously make you work faster."
"It would appear so," Zaira punched in some numbers and looked up with a smile. "Okay, everything is in order. You're good to go."
"Thanks a lot," Percy walked out. "Have a nice day."
"You, too," she waved, and her many colourful bracelets jingled.
It was half an hour until noon. He'd be home in twenty minutes, assuming nothing stopped him.