12 minutes

Took Kismet on a walk and we went a lot farther than I expected, so I find myself under-dressed and the temperature is dropping quick.

I'm getting cold fast and spot a Timmies at the next corner, so I duck in to get a coffee to warm up.

I reach into my jean pockets and come up empty, then roll my eyes as I forgot I changed pants before heading out. Luckily I have a credit card in my cell phone case.

Tap to pay and it comes up “DECLINED”

Try again... tap... “DECLINED”

Insert the card, type in my PIN... “DECLINED”

I'm feeling a bit frustrated as the $3.00 purchase is not going through. I notice the line is building up behind me.

I hear a voice from my right "What's wrong? Someone forgot to give you your allowance?"

I glance to the my right and see a guy with a bag of collected cans in one hand, another bag with his belongings in the other.

He continues... "I work for a living ya know! CASH! You know anything about work?"

I choose not to engage and pull out a second credit card.

Tap to pay... “DECLINED”

I say to the clerk "This isn't possible! There is something wrong with your machine."

I am aware of my growing frustration and then embarrassment creep in as the amount owed isn’t much. I try another machine.

“DECLINED”

The guy speaks up again... "Hey Slick! What's wrong? Having problems? Would you like me to spare ya some change?"

I can feel a snide reply bubble up.

I can hear the narratives begin to weave.

I can choose what to do next.

After 5 failed attempts on two different cards, instead of engaging in a war of words, I step away and leave.

I log into my account on my phone, check my balances and everything looks fine.

While fidgeting with the credit cards in my hand, I see the expiration date.

09/19

The time now? 9:12pm

12 minutes.

That’s all it was... as it is now October 1st where the computer lives.

I am aware of the narratives that wanted to be written.

I chose not to.

Now I get a chuckle from it instead.

#chasingbutterflies