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“Will, please remember to get the red onions from “L’oignon“ not that other brand.“ Hannibal said from his study.
They were currently living in a smaller city in Northern France. Every Thursday, they went on their grocery run. Only today Hannibal couldn’t come. His leg was worse again and his walking unsteady, so it was Wills task to get everything from Hannibal's list.
“Of course Han, I remember the last time you had to use the other brand.“ Will slipped on his shoes. “Bye, I'll try to be back as soon as possible“ He added before the door shut behind him.
The drive to the town was nothing special. 20 minutes a mostly straight road. He pulled into the parking lot and found a free space near the entrance.
Will grabbed a shopping basket and stated his task at hand. He grabbed milk, coffee, multiple kinds of tea. In the vegetable aisle he grabbed bell peppers, cucumber, lettuce and cabbage. He counted a sharp estimate of the price. Old habit from when he had to survive on food stamps and coupons.
After the cheese and bathing products he was at 66,99€ with taxes.
He entered the canned food aisle and left quickly again. He did need those anymore. When Will reached the sweets department he added the prices. Some of Hannibals favorites. Some of the few mass produced products he’s eating.
93,86€, Will calculated in his head.
Will left for the check out and emptied his basket. The cashier started scanning. Will waited till he reminded himself to pack his own groceries. Another detail of life here that he had to get used to.
“78,87€, please, do you want to pay cash or card?“ The woman asked him. Will stood there, not understanding. He was good with numbers. He had to be. When he had to fend for himself, every penny was worth it.
“Sir. Do you want to pay with cash or card?“ The cashier politely repeated her question.
“What? Sorry. I’m just… I just miscalculated. Is there a sale on one of the items?“ He asked, feeling like a dumb tourist.
“No sir. Maybe you misread something or got some numbers twisted.“ She gave Will another polite smile. “So, cash or card?“
“Ehh… Card. Sorry.“ He muttered, paid for his stuff and basically sprinted to his car. Sprinted as fast as he could without looking like a maniac.
The whole drive home he did the math again and again. Where was his mistake?
He was still thinking while carrying the groceries inside. Hannibal came and put the stuff away when it hit will.
“It’s the damn taxes!” He exclaimed.
“What?“ Hannibal turned around and looked at him with an amused and questioning expression.
“God, I’m such an idiot.“
“No you’re not, dear Will.“
“The taxes are included in the price. Goddammit.“ He set down on one the kitchen chairs and let the realization hit him.
Hannibal started to laugh.