Showing me her debit cart, a customer asked if we had a limit for card-based purchases. I have seen the customer around. I believe she used to work at another coffee shop in town. She has something to do with a local leftist newspaper.

I responded negatively and took from her the card.

Pathetically, as do most customers who make card purchases for five dollars or less, she cracked wise about her purchase. I know, she explained, I know. It is silly using a card for something this small but...

There's no shame, I explained. Plastic is the cash of the 21st Century. Soon there'll be little need for cash. I jokingly offered, soon, they'll only have to scan the barcode tattooed onto our foreheads. This'll explain how much oil we each are worth.

Oh no, don't say that. She made a sour face and claimed she didn't like to think of a future like that. Future? I asked. This is the present. People are as attached to their credit cards as they would be if the devises were fused with their bodies. She'd like to think that one day people will be able to break free.

Sure they will, honey, I thought.

I then handed her the triple mocha she ordered and snickered at the silly leftist and her silly three dollar and 68 cent caffeinated beverage..