Visited the suburban KATE again. I knew going in it would require multiple swipes, and the first OV fell into the same pattern, three failures then a load.

Then, as if somebody rang an evacuation alarm, the entire alcove where the MC/CS/RETURNS counter is located is completely empty. Just me and KATE and the cashier behind the counter, and KATE is saying "Card Not Accepted. Card Not Accepted" over and over again, into the eerie quietness.

The cashier asks, "Do you need some help sir ?".

OH GAWD.

"No no, everything's fine", I say.

I start slow-walking KATE so I don't have to completely restart, but stall when I will get to KATE rejecting the card. Thankfully, some people came to the counter, a line formed, and I was able to finish.

Never thought I would actually miss the hustle & bustle sounds of Walmart folk !