My name is Riley. I’m 28 years old, seven months pregnant, and learning every day what it means to keep moving forward despite challenges. Life hasn’t been easy since the baby’s father stepped away, but I’ve been determined to stay strong for myself and for “Bean”—that’s the nickname I’ve given my little one until he arrives.
Between part-time work at a local pharmacy, paying bills, and keeping up with prenatal care, every dollar matters. Trips to the grocery store often feel like puzzles—figuring out what to buy, what to skip, and how to stretch my budget as far as possible.
One Tuesday afternoon, during what I thought would be an ordinary shopping trip, something happened that I’ll never forget.
The Grocery Store Scene
At the checkout line, I noticed an elderly gentleman with a small terrier by his side. His cart carried only the basics—bread, milk, eggs, soup, and two bags of dog food. But as the cashier rescanned items, he started asking to remove them one by one, trying to match the total to the exact amount of cash in his hand.
The moment was heartbreaking. When store staff also reminded him that pets weren’t allowed inside, he held his dog closer and asked them to please understand. Finally, he said quietly, “Take it all off. Leave the dog food.”
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