A Slice of a Day

A Slice of a Day by Keiko James (a Short Story Contest entry)

How it is difficult to maintain a peaceful mind.

A deli in the afternoon. I finally get to my turn to order as a man saunters in and goes, “A meatball sandwich with extra sauce.”

A pause.

“Let me have a panini with turkey and swiss cheese,” I order.

The man turns and looks at me and says, “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

“It’s ok.” I smile… but am I really smiling?