The moment Chauncy stepped inside, he felt it. That shift. Like he had crossed into a space he didn’t quite belong in. The air felt cooler. The lights harsher. Every sound—carts rolling, scanners beeping, quiet conversations—seemed louder than it should have. He stayed near the entrance. That was always the safest place. Close enough to step back out if he needed to. Far enough not to draw attention.
Chauncy kept his eyes moving, scanning carts, watching for someone who might need help. Someone who might say yes. But it felt different in here. More exposed. More… noticeable. He adjusted his posture slightly, trying to look like he belonged. Like he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Because he wasn’t. He was just asking. Just trying. Still— His hand brushed against his pocket again. And that’s when it happened.
One of the candy bars slipped out. It hit the floor with a soft crinkle. Too loud. Too sudden. Chauncy’s heart jumped as he quickly bent down, snatched it up, and shoved it back into his pocket almost instantly. Too fast. Like he didn’t want anyone to see. He straightened—
And that’s when he heard it. “Hey.”