Single Dad Price

It was nearing midnight and you stopped by the store on your way home from work to grab a few things for your kids lunch. It had to be done…the various food allergies that plagued your child made it nearly impossible for them to eat anything you didn’t prepare yourself.

Your mom moved in with you after the divorce so she could help take care of her one and only grandchild, and knowing she likely wouldn’t get another one you happily embraced the new living arrangement, it meant that you didn’t have to find a day care or babysitter for your child.

As you whipped through the store you spotted a man with a newborn in a sling across his chest, wandering from aisle to aisle. You see him again in the produce section and notice the look of desperation on his face so you decide to be friendly… “are you looking for anything in particular? I shop here all the time, maybe I can help you find it?”

“Oh, uh…yeah, I need to find some nappies and some milk for this little one” Price wearily answered, in a deep British accent that let you immediately know he wasn’t from around here.

“OK, well in that case you want the baby section, come on I’ll show you” you see the ragged look on his face, the look of being a new parent that hasn’t slept in a month. “Diapers are here, and the next aisle is formula” you say, as you aim your cart back towards the checkout to finish up your trip. But you notice him still standing there, staring at the diapers, frozen with indecision.

“Are you ok? I mean, do you need any help with this?” you ask, as he snaps out of it and looks over at you.

“Ya, I think I do need a little help, if you don’t mind”

“Sure, OK, you want newborn size diapers, so any of these will do” you gesture to the row of newborn size… “and for the formula, you need to get the same formula you’ve been feeding the baby otherwise it might cause some stomach issues and”…. Price cuts you off…

“My wife was breastfeeding, she died two days ago and I’ve used all the milk from the freezer already”…