The Exchange

Walking down the stone steps of my apartment complex. I reach the sidewalk, looking up in the sky; it’s a crappy day. On the way to my destination, which I’m not exactly sure where he even is, I think its on the corner of Baker and Washington Ave.  Every step I take I grow worrisome. Wondering if I have enough money and if I’m having a bad hair day. My mind is all over the place. I’m trying to focus on how to get there, what will he charge me, and is his product good?

I recently moved to this city. My friend Sean has been helping me get adjusted. But my adventure today wasn’t Sean’s doing. I’ve had to ask around for this, and finally got the word. But I’m trusting a stranger’s word, and risk giving up the only crumpled up $10 bill in my pocket.

Each step taking me closer. I take a right onto Washington Ave, and I can see the corner. My steps however grew shorter as I scanned the area. Businessmen and women on their way to work passing like traffic on a highway. A coffee shop, caught me off guard, the smell attracted me. Thinking that I haven’t had my morning coffee. There goes my mind wondering again. But I snapped out of it and stayed on course, which by this time I was approaching my destination. Double-checking my phone to see the text message with the address. Low and behold, I made it.

I walk up to the man on the corner. Extending my reach I give him the crumpled currency in my hand. He then proceeds to wrap the product in that clear plastic baggy you get from the grocery store, not a grocery bag, but those ones you wrap vegetables in. It’s a fast exchange. And I’m on the way back to the apartment. I open the bag to inspect. Looks good to me, I guess, I mean what can I say its my first time buying produce from a corner market.