Зима тревоги нашей

           "Thanks.Youdidn’tneedto."

           "It’sservice.Marullotoldme."

           "KeepacoupleofCokescold,willyou?Igotdryzerosinmymouth."

           WhenEthanreturned,hefoundMarullopeeringintoagarbagecan.

           "Wheredoyouwanttotalk,Mr.Marullo?"

           "Starthere,kid."Hepickedcauliflowerleavesfromthecan."Youcuttingofftoomuch."

           "Justtomakethemneat."

           "Cauliflowerisbyweight.Youthrowingmoneyinthegarbage.IknowasmartGreekfellaownsmaybetwentyrestaurants.Hesaysthebigsecretiswatchthegarbagecans.Whatyouthrowout,youdon’tsell.He’sasmartfella."

           "Yes,Mr.Marullo."EthanmovedrestlesslytowardthefrontofthestorewithMarullobehindhimbendinghiselbowsbackandforth.

           "YousprinklinggoodthevegetableslikeIsaid?"

           "Sure."

           Thebossliftedaheadoflettuce."Feelsdry."

           "Well,hell,Marullo,Idon’twanttowaterlogthem—they’reone-thirdwaternow."

           "Makesthemlookcrisp,niceandfresh.YouthinkIdon’tknow?Istartwithonepushcart—justone.Iknow.Yougottolearnthetricks,kid,oryougobroke.Meat,now—youpayingtoomuch."