The lone service clerk worked frantically, but despite her best efforts, the line continued to grow.  We waited patiently; she was doing the best she could.

While we waited, a short man with messy gray hair and a greasy jacket muscled his way to the front of the line.  He carried a thick stack of scratch tickets.

“Hey buddy, the line’s back here,” said the guy ahead of me.  The man ignored him and made straight for the “Take a Penny, Leave a Penny” cup on the counter.

He took a penny, then left to go scratch off his winnings.