Early evening at the Willowbrook grocery store was usually peaceful. But today, the quiet felt heavier. At the center stood nine-year-old Kayla, holding her baby brother Ben and a carton of milk.
“I’ll pay when I grow up, I promise,” Kayla said calmly, her eyes steady as she faced the store clerk.
Mr. Oliver, the cashier, shook his head. “You can’t leave without paying, child. Return that, or I’ll have to call someone.”
Kayla held firm. Ben whimpered softly in her arms as Mr. Oliver reached for the phone. Then the store door chimed.
Daniel Mercer, the millionaire founder and CEO of Mercer Foods, stepped inside. He noticed the tension—and the small girl clutching the milk.
Kayla looked up at him and said, “Please, sir, my little brother hasn’t eaten since yesterday. I don’t steal. Older me will pay.”
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