Karma – 1 Page – 0

I stopped at a Carl’s Jr. this morning on my way to work. It’s a guilty pleasure I partake in about once every two weeks. I feel better when it isn’t the regular guy working, because I think he recognizes me now. Sad.

So, today I placed my normal order - Sunrise Croissant Combo with orange juice. The total appeared on the screen at $4.73. That’s correct. Trust me, I have it memorized. I already had my $5 bill ready to go. It was the same guy, so I’m trying not to make eye contact. I hand him my $5 and a couple of seconds later he hands me the change.

I could tell right away the change was too much. It should have been $0.27, but right away I could see two quarters, a dime or two and some pennies. He gave me back too much change.

For the next 20 seconds I think about whether I should tell him or not. First I think to myself, “I’m going to give it back. It feels good to be honest”. Then I think, “I’m sure I have been short-changed several times.” Then it’s “How come I always lose pens, but never find them.” This argument goes on in my head until he come to the window and hands me my bag of food.

I thanked him and drove off. As I get down the road, I realize I never got my orange juice. Sigh…