Brave Story - Miyuki Miyabe [31]
“It didn’t work at all,” the plump woman pouted, “and I switched medications on your recommendation, even though it was more expensive.”
“I understand, ma’am,” replied the cashier, lowering her eyes with obvious discomfort. “Maybe you need to give it more time? Everyone’s talking about this drug. It’s the next big thing. “
“Everyone? Then why hadn’t I heard of it until you told me?”
The clerk shrugged.
“Look, all I ask is that you let me exchange it for something else. It’s pointless to keep taking something that just isn’t working.”
“But it’s already been opened, ma’am.”
“That’s beside the point! It doesn’t work! We’re talking about medicine, here! What don’t you understand? I want something new and I want it now.”
The woman was brandishing a box of antacids, a brand that Wataru often saw advertised on TV. He peered around the store in frustration, searching for another clerk. It was a big drugstore. Usually there were more people working. For whatever reason, though, nobody was around today. He was growing impatient.
“E-excuse me,” Wataru began, hesitantly peeking around the middle-aged woman. “I’m here to pick up my pictures…”
“I’m sorry, but I’m helping this customer,” replied the clerk with an apologetic smile.
“Wait your turn!” snapped the plump woman ahead of Wataru.
“Perhaps I can interest you in this brand instead,” the clerk said to the woman. She was holding up a free trial package of antacid tablets.
“I don’t want a different one,” she said, taking the offered box anyway. “Does it work?”
“It’s new and based on a Chinese herbal remedy. It’s supposed to be highly effective for upset stomachs and digestive problems, and it’s got a refreshing flavor.”
“I doubt that,” said the woman. She lifted the sample to her nose and sniffed. Her nose wrinkled. “Smells funny.”
The clerk smiled nervously, saying nothing. Wataru caught her eye and silently mouthed the word “pictures.”
“All right. I’ll take it,” the woman said at last, stuffing it into a huge bag already bulging with other purchases.
Wataru felt as relieved as the clerk looked. But the woman didn’t move. She stood in place, stubbornly scanning the racks of medicines displayed behind the counter.
“I’m also looking for some cold medicine,” she said. “And not a strong one—I have a sensitive stomach. And I don’t want anything that makes me drowsy. Everything you carry always makes me sleepy. Maybe you’ve gotten something new?” She moved to one side to get a better look at the row of cold remedies. Wataru took the opportunity to gently elbow ahead of the plump customer.
“Um, Mitani. Wataru Mitani. I came here to pick up my photos,” he said, stretching out an arm to show his receipt.
The clerk glanced at the plump woman for a moment. Then, with a brief nod, she took a step toward the rack of photo envelopes. Wataru felt a warm breeze on the back of his neck. He spun around to find the woman snorting in frustration.
“How rude!” the woman bellowed, angrily glaring at Wataru. “I told you to wait your turn!”
“I’m sorry. I thought you were finished.”
“You’ve got some nerve, young man! If your parents were here I’d give them a stern talking to!” she seethed, stepping back from the counter. “Didn’t they ever teach you to respect your elders?”
The clerk came back to the counter, holding the envelope Wataru had spotted earlier. She slid several pictures out of the envelope and showed them to Wataru.
“These the ones?”
“Yes, they are.”
Wataru felt the plump woman glaring down at him as he paid for the photos. He did his best to ignore her. The cashier appeared to be doing the same. He pitied her for having to deal with people like the woman. A bad customer’s still a customer…
Outside, Wataru ran as quickly as his legs could take him. He looked up after a while to find he was across the street from the haunted building. His lungs were aching, his cheeks burned, and his hands shook with anticipation. He hadn’t wanted to open the photos in the drugstore; he wanted