Today seems one of those days where the sky teases - one minute the ominous dark clouds are dangling across the sky and the next the sun rays sneeze through and just like that the promise of rain is broken.
I looked at my watch and it was exactly 6 p.m. This is when I expect most of the customers for the day - arriving from work, tired and impatient - They want what they buy packed in seconds and I was ready.
Sometimes they exchange pleasantries but not always.
Just like clockwork, I hear someone shout my name.
"Kata sukuma na spinach ya fifty na nichagulie melon moja nzuri," Mama Shiru blasts from across the road, "napitia nikirudi."
"Sawa ma'am" and with that formal interaction I get to cutting diligently and packing it nicely.
As she passes by and picks her veggies, she reminds me of the curfew. My phone buzzes in the corner as she walks away.
Of course, I know of the curfew - which Kenyan doesn't? I've accounted for it in my daily schedule. 'Be out by 6:45 p.m.' I remind myself.
After serving nearly eighteen customers my hand muscles cramp and I stretch to carry on, as my phone buzzes with every purchase at the corner.
All this time no money has exchanged hands, we've maintained the required social distance. My face feels hot from wearing a mask all day but it's about to be over.
A quick glance at my watch and it's 6:45 p.m. I start to pack up as I serve the reducing stream of customers. At this time, there's no chopping option for vegetables.
Just when I am about to close the window, a man walks in begging me not to close. In my mind, I'm thinking I need to leave but my "customer always comes first" mantra won't let me.
Alright, "what do you want" Now it's 6:50 p.m.- I'm behind schedule. My goodness!
He picks the vegetables and I put them in a bag for him. He reaches for his pocket hands me a Ksh1000 note.
"Oh MY! where will I get the change from? 780 to be exact."
"Do you have money in your phone?" he nods.
I point him to the colourful Lipa Na M-Pesa board that my nephew drew up for me and read out the Paybill number 400200 for him.
With the payment, he sent money directly into my merchants Co-op bank account.
Two seconds after completing his transaction, my phone buzzes - one final time for the day.
He walks away and I follow closely, locking the door behind me. It's 6:55p.m- again!
Without even a second thought, and a fresh mask on my face, I break into a full-on sprint home.
I am only midway I feel for my pocket and my buzzing device isn't there.
It's too late now - but not to worry, my money is safe and thanks to the e-commerce solutions by Co-op Bank.
Maybe I should scale up my business, maybe it's just the adrenaline talking.