Isn’t That Just Ducky?

I feel old today. I have been working at the same store for many years now: since 2006, when I graduated from high school. Today, I am sitting in the break room, eating lunch, when our Human Resources person comes in with a group of new hires. A teenage boy comes running up to me.

Teen: “Hi, [My Name]!”

I’m a little surprised that one of the new hires would run up to me excitedly.

Me: “Hey, welcome to the store.”

I smile and nod at him. He grins.

Teen: “You don’t remember me, do you?”

Me: “I’m sorry, I don’t. I see so many people each day…”

Teen: *Laughs* “I just started today. But I’ve been coming through your line since I was two!”

Then, it finally clicked. He was the son of one of my customers years ago. He wanted a little duck with wheels that you pull on a string. His mother was a dollar short and told him they had to put it back. He didn’t scream or cry; he just sadly handed over the toy. It broke my heart, so I gave them the $1 they needed. He used to come in all the time with it!