The line of people grew longer in tandem with their agitation. The air conditioning near the check-out is inoperable; people are sweating, and the pallor of the unwashed masses is permeating the pores. Somewhere an annoyed child cries loudly. People shift on their feet and seethe and sigh in frustration and anger. Only one person in line is motionless, suffering in silence, wearing a long-sleeved trenchcoat and wide-brimmed hat. He feels the heat, just as everyone else... read more
