In the end, curiosity won, and he approached Angela’s desk. She glared up at him, obviously irritated.

“What?”

“Uhm…” He cringed inwardly. “Can I borrow some nickels?”

She stared at him silently, her mouth open, as if she would berate him for such an insipid request.

He fidgeted.

She abruptly shut her mouth, straightened, and opened a drawer, withdrawing some coins.

“Fine, but I expect to be repaid tomorrow. For every day that you do not return my money, I will require ten percent interest.”

He stared at her, disbelieving.

“Understand?” she barked.

He nodded and left, coins in hand.