“I’m sorry, sir. We don’t accept coupons anymore. It’s a new policy.” Jacob’s heart sank. He felt the weight of the people behind him, their eyes boring into his back. The weight of the judgment pressed on Jacob as he stood frozen at the register.
The young mother in line behind him shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her toddler tugging relentlessly at the hem of her coat. “Not now, sweetie,” she said through gritted teeth, her tone strained with impatience.