Callahan stood outside the supermarket, trying to catch his breath as he gathered his thoughts together.  He would go in and look for her and once he found her, he would give her the 7 cents and apologize for the delay.  In case she were not there, he would ask when her next shift was and return promptly.  Callahan marched in.

It took some time before Callahan managed to pace the entire store, but eventually it became clear to him that the girl in question was not there.  Callahan stood in the middle of an isle, with a puzzled look on his face, thinking what he should do next.  From the corner of his eye he could detect the motion of other blurry figures passing by, occasionally picking up an item from a shelf.  Callahan continued staring ahead, beginning to actually enjoy this out of focus view.  However, not before long, one of such silhouettes came and stood next to him and refused to budge.  Callahan felt obliged to break his stare and look over.  It was the supermarket manager.

“Is there something I can help you with?” he questioned Callahan.

“Um, yeah….I’m looking for someone who works her,” Callahan explained.  “I don’t know her name, but she’s kind of tall, has brown hair and brown eyes.  She used to work on the register.”

“Oh I know, you’re talking about Marlene.  Well, I’m sorry, you’re too late, she just left about…. – the manager stared at his watch - …. 2 months ago.”  He snickered at Callahan and continued, “Do me a favor and tell that to all of her other boyfriends too.  They’re driving me nuts.”  He began to walk away.

Callahan looked on angrily as blood rushed to his head.  Something had to be done fast.  “Hey mister,” he called out.  The manager turned around.  “You’re a fat pig.”  Mission accomplished.