The Man in the Queue

Random Act of Kindness At the Store

The other day, I had accompanied my mother to the newly opened store for household products and gift items, etc. We browsed through the attractive items on display, at last deciding on a few useful products for the home.

I asked my mom to wait near the exit and made my way to the payment counter, which was quite a distance away, pushing the shopping cart. There was a long queue at all the cash counters. I stood in line at the least crowded one, waiting for my turn patiently.

At last, it was my turn and I hurriedly handed cash to the man at the counter. To my surprise, he announced that he did not have the right amount of change to give back and settle my bill. He asked me to either clear my bill using a card or pay the exact amount.

Since it was getting late, I requested him to see if he could manage as I wasn’t carrying a card nor did I have any smaller denominations. He denied, once again asking me to bring him the exact amount from anywhere I could.

Now slightly irritated, I thought maybe mom might have some change but if I left the queue, I would have to wait my turn at the back of many more customers who stood behind me.

This would take a lot more time and we were already running late to get back home.

As I sighed and turned to leave, an aged man from behind tapped on my shoulder. I turned, thinking people just can’t wait their turn when to my surprise, I heard the gentleman saying that he had some change and was willing to help me out.

In between feeling relieved and a little embarrassed for thinking the worst, I took the change he was offering gratefully and thanked him profusely, flashing my best smile.

Payment completed, I now made my way back and joined my mom. I told her about the incident at the payment counter and about the gentleman who went out of his way to help me.

I was happy to note that in this callous world, there are still some people who think of others and lend a helping hand whenever they can.

First Published on Kindspring.org

Photo by Mein Deal on Unsplash