05/10/2025
I'm 28, seven months pregnant, and by myself.
When I shared the news with the baby's father, he walked out that night, muttering he was "not ready yet."
Since then, it's me, Bean (that's what I've named my baby), and my old Corolla.
I work part-time at a pharmacy; my checks vanish to rent, gas, and medical bills.
One evening at the supermarket, only sale tags made it into my basket. At checkout, I heard SHOUTING.
There stood an elderly man, perhaps seventy-five. His clothes were tattered, and his shoes had seen better days.
The contents of his basket: milk, bread, eggs, soup, and one bag of dog food.
He clung to his tiny terrier, holding her like she meant the world to him.
He fumbled with coins as irate voices erupted:
"WHAT, ARE WE GOING TO STAND HERE ALL DAY?" someone shouted.
"Are you going to count your pennies forever? HURRY UP!" a woman complained.
A guard marched over, raising his voice:
"SIR, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED! Leave the store right now!"
The man pulled his terrier closer, murmuring:
"She's all I have. Please… JUST LEAVE THE DOG FOOD, and cancel the rest."
I stepped forward, words leaving my mouth quickly:
"Please scan all the groceries. I'll pay."
His eyes filled as he faced me:
"Miss… I can't accept this."
"Yes, you can," I replied, grinning.
The following morning, an UNEXPECTED NOISE came from my porch.
At first, I assumed it was the neighbor's cat.
Opening the door, my heart thudded wildly.
I RUSHED OUTSIDE. ⬇️