grocery store

'thanks for all your help,'

she offers a smile as she grabs her bags,

turns toward the door.

she's clumsy as she opens it,

brow creased, you watch her leave.

she left some coffee beans.

you miss her for a week

then she's back with her sweet smile,

you help her collect her things.

'thank you so much'

in a rush, she grabs her bags and turns.

she's gone, leaves some limes.

the next week she's tired

you hand her the bags, she smiles at you.

she's careful not to leave a thing.

she's back again,

grabs quickly, hands you extra cash.

gives a weak smile, small thanks.

on the next week she visits

you help her take the bags to the car

nothing stays behind.

she's not in the next week.

you really can't help but wonder.

your coworkers whisper.

you notice her absence

less and less as weeks pass,

but often you see her

in a sweet smile,

or polite thanks, in forgotten items

you thank her.

you apologize to her.