The Package

The older woman watched from behind the counter as she walked in the door appearing a little lost, downtrodden, carrying a wrapped package, empty box and looking for packing tape. 

"You can wrap that first at the counter and pay here at the desk later", she offered helpfully.

The younger woman nodded to her and went about carefully taping the box together. She carefully used the bubble wrap then placed the package gently, as if it were a tiny child swaddled in cotton fabric, streaked with tears and dirt. She taped up the box and fumbled in her pocket for the address, and wrote it lightly and carefully on the outer mailing label. Satisfied, she waited silently in line for the older woman to be free. When called, she solemnly placed the box on the desk.

"Did you want insurance against damage with that?"

The middle-aged woman's face wavered in front of hers for a moment, and suddenly as much younger woman appeared; one whose face was carefree and unlined with worry, age or pain. 

The younger woman stifled a laugh as her eyes welled with tears and she replied, "It's already broken." 

The older woman only nodded, and then said, "That'll be $23.32, please." 

The younger woman thanked her, and turned to leave. She glanced back once, looking as if she'd forgotten something. The older woman noticed her smile then for the first time, and she watched her leave a few pounds and years lighter than when she walked in.