The entire store seemed to hold its breath. Her face changed for a moment — like she might actually apologize — but then pride took over. She muttered something, grabbed her son’s hand, and left without a word. As the doors closed behind her,
the tension melted away. My manager came over to check on me, and I went back to work. But I couldn’t stop thinking about that brave little boy. Maybe he didn’t change his mom, but he reminded everyone else what kindness looks like — even in a grocery store aisle.