My 2 cents is worth a lot, apparently.

OK, the other night I went to get some beverages (non-alcoholic but caffeinated, of course) for me and Kristine. I am a regular at our local 7-Eleven. Well not that regular, but let's just say that I recognized both of the cashier's working. Anyway, I get the drinks and go to check out and the total is $2.48. Ok, so I hand the cashier $2.50, he takes the money, puts it in the draw and just stands there. I wait a second thinking maybe he didn't realize that I had 2¢ coming back to me in change. I keep waiting and the guy doesn't want to make eye contact with me. He's messing around with some bag, and some other stuff on the counter. Finally I say, "are you going to give me my change?". He reacts with disdain and even a little bit of horror that I was actually asking for such a small amount of change to be returned. He says, "it's only two cents". Are you kidding me? Only two cents? at what point does he get to decide if I can get my change? Two cents, 10 cents, or 10 dollars, I don't care how much it is, it is my change. I mean it is only 2 cents and I was already planning on putting it in the tray for the next guy or gal that might find themselves a penny or two short. But that is for my fellow customer, not for the store owner who is already getting the better end of any transaction. It was for my fellow consumer who might come in, late at night, needing a caffeine fix or an Abba-Zabba, or some pork skins (which I would suggest against). It was for the common man, the everyday person needing a little boost. Not for some corporation like 7-Eleven that has already taken plenty of my money, and will probably get plenty more. I guess times are so hard that even Carl at 7-Eleven, needs to try and steal a few cents from anywhere he can. Who knew?