A Sweet Act During A Bitter Time
I am working at the cash register at a bookstore. The current events have made it a very sparse place these days, but we do get some customers in.
A customer comes up to the register with a book he wants to purchase. We take our time and chat a bit while I ring him up. Once I get to the total, he points to the candy bars we have on the counter for sale.
Customer: “Which one is best?”
Me: “My favorite is the caramel.”
Customer: “I’d like two of those, then.”
I ring those up, he pays the total, and then I give him his bag of goodies. Before he steps away from the counter, he reaches into the bag, pulls out one of the caramel bars, and hands it to me.
Customer: “This one is for you; thank you for helping me and being here.”
I was so grateful and said, “Thank you,” I don’t even know how many times, but the kindness of that during these crazy times just really got me. I thought I was going to cry happy tears. He smiled, gave me a wave and left.
The next day, we all got a call saying we were laid off, so not only did that customer give me the gift of a candy bar, the gift of a kind act, but also the gift of giving me a treasured memory on my last day working there. I’ll do my best to share that kindness in other people’s days, too. An act of kindness, no matter how small, can make such a difference when times feel so heavy right now.
This story was included in our May 2020 Inspirational Roundup.
Question of the Week
What is the absolute most stupid thing you’ve heard a customer say?
