Cashier Forgets To Give Back The Change
She took the money, opened the register, and then just stood there. The customer had to ask for the change twice. Her mind was clearly somewhere else.
About this scene
Big-box store register, weekday afternoon. She is the cashier. She rings up the customer's purchase, takes the cash, and stands there. She does not give back the change. The flash is across the lane at the next register. The customer waits. The customer clears their throat. She finally snaps out of it and gives back the change with an apology that is too quiet to hear.
What to watch for
The forgetting to give back the change is the involuntary distraction. Cashiers run on muscle memory. The muscle memory broke. The cash drawer is still open. The change is in her hand but not in his. The customer's throat clear is the cue. After the cue she gives the change in one motion, slightly faster than normal pace to compensate. The receipt prints. The customer leaves. The next customer in line saw everything and gives her a small smile of solidarity.