Karmic Corner

When I first moved into my new neighborhood, I was excited to be
within walking distance of downtown. In my many walks, I discovered
a little store on the corner of Anapamu and De la Vina. The outside
is a cheery yellow, and the friendly owner, Sharesh, often works
the counter himself. The sign is so small I wasn’t sure what it was
called until I noticed the name “Good Karma Market and Deli” on a
credit card receipt. In addition to the usual corner-store stuff,
there is everything from clothes and artwork to an Indian deli and
incense with names like Deadly Poison and Naked Butt. Every time I
come in, I discover something new. The other morning I was running
late to an appointment. I had used the last diaper the night before
so I pulled over at the Good Karma Deli for an emergency supply.
The clerk and I made friendly conversation while he rang me up.
“It’s declined,” he informed me apologetically. I looked in my
purse, but didn’t have any cash. “I guess I’ll have to come back
later,” I said, and headed out the door. I was almost to my car
when I heard him calling me back. He was at the back door with the
diapers in his hand. “You can pay for these later,” he said. “I’m
sure you must really need them.” I almost cried at the simple
kindness of it. My last neighborhood didn’t have any corner stores;
there weren’t even sidewalks. Now I know a place right down the
street where I can get a meal, a bottle of wine, an outfit, a gift
for a friend, a smile, and a nice big dose of good karma.
—Taymar Pixley