Store asphyxiation.

I pick up a bundle of pita bread

Walking to the check out line

I think of what else I need

Nothing comes to mind

An over-endulgent

Obese man stands behind me

We are waiting in the same line

The store is unusually crowded

I am not wearing underwear

It would be unfortunate to be pantsed at this time

I am uncomfortable

Everyone seems to speak in unison

Creating an indescribable noise

I panic inside

But keep my motions under control

I can not stand it

The man behind me says,

"This is retarded."

It's good to know that I may not be alone

But, I am

His presence consoles this momentary loneliness

A couple waits behind him

They are obnoxious and out-spoken

They comment on my new friends physical features

I don't know what to do

I feel a great obligation to protect him

What do I say

What they speak is truth

But it hurts

I feel his pain

Which isn't much to bother him

His skin is too thick

To puncture with shallow criticism

The couple laughs an inconsiderate laugh

It pierces me like a thousand dirty needles

The man behind me doesn't budge

"Two seventy-five", says the cashier

"Oh. Alright. Here you go," I say

I give him three dollars

I wait for the change

I take the quarter and leave.