Hardcore Locavore

I thought it was a lot of money for a tomato, to be honest, but I live in the country, and I believe in supporting local agriculture.  We were on our way home from the vet and needed a tomato.  I have a "regular" farm, but it wasn't on my way home, so I stopped at a farm stand I've never visited before.  I  took my hefty tomato to the register, and the lovely older gentleman said "That will be $2.51."  I NEVER complain about the price of produce because I have read enough to know the investment of time, money, and labor it takes to produce locally grown, organic, sustainable food.

When I looked in my wallet, I only had twenties and a single.

"I'm sorry to do this to you," I admitted, "but I only have a $20."

I handed it over, and he poked around in the cash box.

"I don't have any change so just don't worry about it," he demanded.

"NO!"  I answered vehemently.  "I'm not taking your tomato.  This is your livelihood!"

"Well," he suggested, "do you live nearby?"

I do actually.

"Just drop it off the next time you drive by."

I gave him the $1 I did have.  "Okay," I compromised, "now you have some change.  Monday I'm going back to the vet so I'll drop off the $1.50 I owe you."

When you live in the country, and a kindly gentleman restores (some of) your faith in humanity, $2.51 is a small price to pay.