Women and men(both little and small)
cared for anyone not at all
they sowed their isn't they reaped their same
sun moon stars rain
-"anyone lived in a pretty how town" by e.e. cummings-
The first thing she did come Saturday was hail a cab and go to the grocery store. For Becky, Saturday was grocery day; she bought foods in bulk only if they were nonperishable. Much of what she enjoyed, however, was perishable and she'd learned quickly upon leaving the nest that buying only enough to last her through the week was the best course of action. It was for this reason that she found herself, leaning on her cold, metal buggy as she awaited her turn in the grocery line.
Another thing she'd learned was that Saturday was a popular grocery day, but it never bothered her. It was the day right after the rush of the work week, and she was happy to take it slow, be more courteous, and wait her turn with less pestilence.
She allowed her eyes to roam over the magazines as the beep of scanners sounded in the background like a discordant melody.
"Mommy," a child's voice ahead of her sounded. "Mommy, can I have a candy bar?"
Becky would have paid little attention to child, if his voice hadn't been hesitant. Her ears pricked, and she listened, unsure what reaction she was looking for. She heard a female sigh and then she glanced up to see it was the woman right in front of her, who had a only a few items. Her son was standing close to her side, but his eyes lingered on the chocolate within his reach and his fingers were snagged on the box of Hershey bars.
"I know you want one," the woman patted the boy's blonde hair, "but Dad only gave us enough money for what we already have, maybe next time, hm? I'll save up the change, what do you say?"
His fingers fell from the box and he nodded, his head falling. Becky watched him clutch his mother's skirt as she placed her items on the conveyor belt.
The woman and child were leaving as the cashier began ringing up Becky items; she saw them out of the corner of her eye. She smiled softly and just as the cashier was scanning her last item, a carton of milk, she reached down and pulled a Hershey's bar from its box and handed it to the man.
"I'd like this too."
She quickly paid and pushed her buggy from the counter. As fast as she could she left the store, her eyes glancing to the sides for the little boy and his mother. She grinned when she saw them.
"Excuse me, miss!" She called, pushing her buggy towards them. The woman turned and stared at her, instinctively touching her son's shoulder. Becky nodded politely to them once she caught up. She reached into the closest bag to her and pulled out the candy bar.
"I think you forgot something." She stared at the little boy and held out the candy.
His mother smiled kindly, but it was the boy's reaction that caused Becky's heart to gush with warmth. His gray eyes widened and fill with happiness as he smiled the largest smile he could manage. Instantly she knew she'd done the right thing.