She taps on the wheel impatiently. A piece of paper may, may just fit between the car bumpers. The red brake lights scream out to her like a warning sign. She is craving that new breakfast sandwich. Advertisements for it are everywhere. A poached egg draped in melted cheese and succulent ham sandwiched between a rich buttery croissant. She saved her money all week, sacrificing the candy bar at check out and the chips with her lunches. Her mouth waters and her stomach cries out in a desire stronger than hunger.
Two more cars until she gets to the small speaker box with all the power. The words enter the box and the product pops out of the window. It's like magic.
She can practically taste the sandwich. So close. The car ahead inches forward. She follows. The order replays in her head. "Medium iced tea. No sugar. No lemon. And the breakfast sandwich with ham." The voice drowns out the music playing over the radio.
The window is down. It's a warm day out and the sun is shining. It's going to be a good day. Nothing special planned or expected, just a good day. A good day made better by starting with the ham, egg, and cheese croissant sandwich. A voice enters through the window. It's echoing the other person's order. She cannot fathom how people prefer their coffees "light and sweet." Why bother? He drives away and as she pulls up she reminds herself that everyone has different tastes.
A raspy voice greets her morning. She tries to picture the person behind the voice. Her response is accurate and concise. "Good. " A brief pause and she orders her iced tea and corn muffin.
The car rolls up to the other bumper. As her foot presses the brake pedal, she realizes what she just did. Every other day she gets that corn muffin. It's bland and regular. And it isn't the sandwich her stomach is set on receiving. It's too late to change her order. The guy in front pulls away.
At the window she reluctantly pays for her muffin she is so rehearsed in ordering. The money saved goes back into the wallet. Today will be just another day.
Maybe tomorrow.
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