Another really hot day of summer.
I'd trekked the 5 blocks between home and the store, feeling the whole time as if i were a lost wanderer in some distant desert. Cold soda never looked better, and neither had the freezer unit they were stacked in. After opening the door, i wanted to climb in and just sit there for a while.
Unfortunately, I couldnt. Instead, I began to circle the tiny place, looking for a snack that would satisfy my sudden craving for sugar.
My favorite brownies caught my eye, and I snagged a few of the small treats, as they were something like thirty five cents a pop. The five dollars I had in my pocket suddenly made me feel rich.
Turning to place my bounty on the counter, I noticed a little girl already there. She carried a backpack, and looked as hot and tired as I felt. She was obviously fresh from school, and stopping by with whatever money she had in hopes of getting a snack.
Her face was twisted up in that frown that children get when they're truly upset about something.
The shopkeeper turned his apologetic gaze from her to me, shaking his head slightly.
"You don't have enough", he said to her by way of dismissal, motioning for me to purchase my snacks.
The girl unwillingly laid a candy bar back down on the counter and lifted a little bottle of water instead.
Suddenly I remembered, REALLY remembered, what it was like to be as young as her. The humiliation of not having enough in a store, the empty feeling of having to leave without that treat you've been craving all day.
"How much does she need?" I asked the shopkeeper, who looked at me with some confusion.
"A dollar" he replied, still looking at me as if I had grown another eye.
I almost laughed at the silliness of it. Such sadness over a simple dollar?
Then I recalled how rich five dollars had made me feel just a moment before.
A dollar is alot, when you need it.
Smiling at the girl, I handed her a dollar. She took it slowly, as if she wasnt quite sure what to make of it, then returned my smile.
I almost didn't need my brownies after that.

Almost.