Claire unzipped the side pocket of her purse and counted three worn one-dollar bills and five quarters into her palm.

“That will be four fifty-six with tax,” the young clerk said.

Claire placed the bills on the glass display case alongside the coins.

“We don’t take cash here,” the clerk said, pointing to a small acrylic sign pinned to the register.

“Card payments only.”

Claire held still for two seconds, rubbing the frayed hem of her brown cardigan between her thumb and index finger.

“I only have cash with me,” Claire said.