Standing at the checkout at the Supermarket I unload my shopping trolley scanning each item bit by bit.

Item not recognised, oh no not now!

I press the screen to go back,

a red light flashes, calling for assistance.

I stare at the screen in disbelief, I hope this interaction is going to be brief.

The assistant comes with her card on a lanyard, pressing it to the screen until the red light goes green.

I carry on with the scanning, place item in bag the message conveys. I do as it relays.

Item not recognised! The red light flashes again! I look outside it has started to rain.

The assistant comes again to tap the screen, just put the item on the belt! But that is not what the screen told me to do I moan.

I find the wifi on my phone.

I find my loyalty card and tap the screen, card accepted then how would you like to pay?

My nerves are frazzled I press cash, no that wasn’t what I wanted,so had to go back, pay by card , I am back on track.

I put away my card and start bagging my shopping, too slow, a superior voice emits from the machine, please remove your items!

I grumble under my breath that “I am going as fast as I can!”

With my shopping bagged and stowed back in the trolley, I think to myself now where did I put my brolly!