A young man was going about his usual grocery shopping when he noticed something peculiar. An elderly woman seemed to be shadowing him through the aisles. She maintained a respectful distance but mirrored his movements – stopping when he stopped, reaching for items when he did. Though slightly unnerved, he chalked it up to coincidence and continued his shopping.
At the checkout, the woman finally approached. “I hope I didn’t make you uncomfortable,” she said gently. “You remind me so much of my late son.” The young man’s initial wariness melted into sympathy as he saw the genuine emotion in her eyes.
Then came her unusual request: “Would you mind calling out ‘Goodbye, Mom’ as I leave? It would mean so much to me.” Touched by her vulnerability, the young man agreed without hesitation. As she walked away, he cheerfully shouted the words, watching her face light up with joy.
But his warm feelings turned to surprise when the cashier announced his total – $121.85 for just five items. “Your mother said you’d be paying for her groceries too,” the clerk explained. The realization hit him: he’d been expertly played. Yet instead of frustration, he found himself laughing at the clever ruse as he paid the bill. Walking to his car, he shook his head in amusement, realizing kindness sometimes comes with unexpected price tags.
