Sam brought four power banks to his cousin’s wedding.
During the photographs, guests began paying him to charge their phones.
His wife said he was supposed to be enjoying the day.
Sam counted the money and looked at the presents.
What are you smiling about? she asked….
Sam’s wife, Ellie, checked his jacket before they left for the wedding.
One pocket contained a cable. Another contained a little battery pack. His bag contained three more.
Are you expecting to repair the wedding?
Sam said he liked to be useful.
He worked at events and often carried spare power banks. Ellie said this was an event he had been invited to enjoy.
Sam carried their present to the car. It was a toaster, wrapped in silver paper.
Ellie reminded him to remove the price sticker.
Twenty-four pounds, he said. I already checked.
They arrived at the hotel, put the toaster on the presents table and joined the guests.
During the ceremony, Sam kept his phone in his pocket.
Everybody else seemed to be making a film.
By the time the photographer began arranging family groups, several phones had low batteries.
A cousin asked Sam whether he had a charger.
He lent her a power bank.
She was so relieved that she offered to buy him a drink.
Sam looked towards the bar, then at the price board.
Three pounds will do.
Another guest heard him.
Could I have a go when she’s finished?
Sam opened his bag.
He had a second one.
Ellie watched two guests hand over coins.
You’re charging people?
Only the ones who want charging.
She said he knew perfectly well what she meant.
The photographer called for the bride’s cousins. Sam put the money in his inside pocket and smiled for the picture.
Then they needed the groom’s cousins.
Then both sets together.
Sam’s first customer returned the power bank with enough battery for several more photographs. Her husband immediately asked to borrow it.
An uncle said people shouldn’t have to pay for a little electricity.
Sam offered to tell him where the hotel sockets were.
The uncle looked at the long queue for the next photograph.
He handed over three pounds.
Ellie asked whether the bride and groom would get an invoice.
Of course not, Sam said. Family discount.
They’re all family.
Not all in the same photograph.
When the photographer announced one last group, four guests groaned and checked their screens.
Sam quietly took out the fourth power bank.
Ellie said she hoped he hadn’t planned the whole day around this.
Sam said he hadn’t planned the extra photographs.
Before dinner, they went past the presents table.
Sam stopped beside the silver parcel.
He took the notes and coins from his pocket and counted them.
Ellie folded her arms.
He had twenty-four pounds.
What are you smiling about?
The toaster’s paid for itself.
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