Everybody has had an embarrassing moment at sometime in their lives. I have had a few also. Let me tell you about one of them.

I walked into the soba shop at about 11:00 a.m. and was greeted by the delicious aroma of the cuisine. I was very hungry and ordered my usual, the Okonomi Tendon Set with the cold noodles. I reached into my bag and pulled out a book to read while I waited for my lunch to arrive.

About twenty minutes later, my lunch arrived at my table. I immediately put away my book and grabbed a pair of disposable chopsticks. I wasted no time in getting down to business. I ate everything without taking a break. I was finished eating in about 5 minutes. It was a very satisfying meal. I wiped my mouth and hands with the moist towellete and got up to pay my bill. 　It was only then that I began to panic.

I discovered that I didn't have enough money in either my wallet or my coin purse to cover the tab. The cost of the meal was 850 yen and I only had 423 yen on me. What should I do ?!?!?

I had the following conversation with the shop owner:

How embarrassing!!! At least the shop owner was nice about it. I'm not surprised that the shop owner remembered me because I have been to this soba shop many times before. So, in reality, my dilemma was not very serious.

Of course, I went back again the next week, had another fine lunch and paid for both of my meals.