“How can we help you today?” a cheerful teller asked over the intercom.

“I need to withdraw five hundred dollars from my checking account, please.”

“One moment,” the voice said.

I held the steering wheel, listening to dry oak leaves rustling on the pavement outside my rolled-down window.

A stray leaf blew in and landed on the passenger seat.

I brushed it away.

“Ma’am, that withdrawal will leave your account balance at fourteen dollars and twelve cents,” the teller said.

“Would you like to go ahead?”