On the way home from work, I realize I need to buy some groceries, in order for supper to be a viable option that evening.

Sighing, shaking off my feeling of impending doom, I pull into a shopping centre parking lot.

I spot a parking space, and as I’m about to pull into it, a car guard does a death-defying leap in front of my car, waving me in. Feeling a bit peeved because I am fully capable of parking on my own and have a little laminated card that proves this, I pull into the parking.

Climbing out of the car, I feel awkward as the car guard looms over me, smiling. I greet him under my breath, uncertain as to how much I want to obligate myself to paying him. After all, I’ve parked right in front of one of the doors to the centre, it’s still daylight and there are plenty of people around.

Walking with my eyes focused on the pavement, I try to avoid the peddlers selling cheap, colorful imports and enter the shops.

Sighing gratefully, I embark on my mission. Shopping list in hand, I make my way through the shop, filling my basket with my selected items.

At the till, a fellow pushes in front of me. Too tired to argue, I ignore his rudeness and wait my turn. The teller doesn’t look at me when I pay, and although I desperately want to re-pack the bag (The milk is on top of the bread – again…), I feel like it might be rude to do so.

Thanking the teller, who eyes me coldly, I pick up my bag and, moving towards the door, my heart gives a small thump at the sudden appearance of a charity table. A woman in a wheel chair stares balefully at me, willing me to feel guilty enough to put some coins in the tin.

I try to act confident. I smile at her and nod, but as I pass by, she starts into a pre-prepared monologue, something along the lines of, “Good day, please be generous enough to help the poor starving children of…”

But I’m already outside, thinking to myself that I’ve never seen that charity before. Is it a scam or for real?

My musing is disturbed by a fellow juggling perfume. He shoves them towards me, babbling brands and prices. Most of the boxes are damaged. Where did he get them? Are they stolen? Is he an undercover cop who will arrest me for buying stolen goods?