The Broken Clock

About a month ago I was in a store on 148th Street. The Spanish-speaking owner of the shop was trying to sell me a clock, but the clock was not working. He was telling me, "It will work at home."

I said, "Here it does not work, but it will work at home?"

He said, "Here I have not tried to fix it. But you have many people who can fix it for you. Then it will work."

I said, "No, I won't buy it if it is not working."

He said, "Then don't come into my shop anymore!"

I said, "Fine, I will not come into your shop."

Four or five days ago I happened to pass him on the street. He invited me to come into his shop, but I said no.

-3 August 1985