SHRINK AND GROW
“So, Granny Smith or Golden?” Nick didn’t reply. He stood in the crowded shop with his mouth open like a stuck pig. An elderly woman with a yappy dog the size of gerbil tutted. The greengrocer repeated the question. Panic flashed through Nick’s eyes. Moans of protest came from the people in the queue. “Two pounds of Golden Delicious, all right mate?”, said the greengrocer. He rubbed some dirt off his fingers onto his apron. Nick stuttered and stepped backwards, tucking a lock of hair behind his ear. “Yeah, or red. No, pink. I mean..” “Two pounds of Pink Ladies for the gentleman?” “No, hang on a sec I’m having second thoughts, ‘cause…” The greengrocer put his hands on his waist and lowered his specs further down on his nose. He gave Nick that mock-reprimanding stare that only people who wear glasses can pull off efficiently. “Haven’t got all day, mate”. “I’m going to miss the bloody bus”, said the old lady, banging her walking stick on the ground. Nick had developed