The True Gift of the Energy Bar

I cannot to share the name of the person who told me this story, but here is my retelling of it:

A few days ago, I went into the local drug store to pick up some supplies.  Among the things I bought were some blueberry and peanut butter energy bars.

Wearing my protective mask because of the coronavirus,  I went up to the cashier to pay.  She was wearing latex gloves but no mask.  She seemed to be carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders— which made perfect sense given everything going on and that she is a cashier in a drug store.   

Hoping to spread some good cheer, I made some comment about how crazy things were, said hi, and expressed my hope that she was doing OK.  Her expression barely changed, and she mumbled back a hello.

Given this response, I was surprised when half-way through ringing up my items she asked if the bars I was buying were good.  I told her, “They’re mediocre.”  

I asked if she preferred blueberry or peanut butter.  When she said peanut butter, I gave her one.  

I didn’t expect what happened next.  She got the biggest smile on her face, thanked me, and said when next she saw me she would tell me if she liked it.  

Her smile gave me my biggest smile of the day.

— Anonymous