Thursday, May 27, 2004
Bank Report
Yesterday, I briefly saw what it means to live in a small town.
I went to the bank across the street from the office to deposit my paycheck. Diana*, a dark-skinned, 20-something, was my teller.
There was a hubub behind the window. Tensed shoulders and furrowed brows made it clear this was serious. I soon understood “Who’s leaving early?” and “Who’s going on break?” were the subjects of heated debate.
“Every time I come over here,” I said, “it seems like there’s some drama back there.”
“The problem is we’re always short staffed,” Diana said.
I pointed to the sign in the lobby announcing the bank’s need for help. It’s been up for months.
“Well, you’re recruiting,” I said, “isn’t it working?”
“I guess not.”
“Must be the threat of robbery. That would dissuade me,” I said.
She said two out of town branches of the bank have been robbed this week.
“Doesn’t that make you nervous?” I asked.
She scoffed, making that little pfffffft sound to indicate the question was ridiculous. “ I know everyone who comes in here,” she said, “if somebody tried to rob us I’d just say ‘You better stop, or I’ll call your mom.’”
*indicates a changed name
I went to the bank across the street from the office to deposit my paycheck. Diana*, a dark-skinned, 20-something, was my teller.
There was a hubub behind the window. Tensed shoulders and furrowed brows made it clear this was serious. I soon understood “Who’s leaving early?” and “Who’s going on break?” were the subjects of heated debate.
“Every time I come over here,” I said, “it seems like there’s some drama back there.”
“The problem is we’re always short staffed,” Diana said.
I pointed to the sign in the lobby announcing the bank’s need for help. It’s been up for months.
“Well, you’re recruiting,” I said, “isn’t it working?”
“I guess not.”
“Must be the threat of robbery. That would dissuade me,” I said.
She said two out of town branches of the bank have been robbed this week.
“Doesn’t that make you nervous?” I asked.
She scoffed, making that little pfffffft sound to indicate the question was ridiculous. “ I know everyone who comes in here,” she said, “if somebody tried to rob us I’d just say ‘You better stop, or I’ll call your mom.’”
*indicates a changed name
// posted by Dean @ Thursday, May 27, 2004 
