The kids continued to complain about how they never got anything, but Brianna couldn’t focus on their words. Her hands were clammy as she reached the counter, her grip on her children firm. She handed a small item for checkout, forcing herself to stay composed as she glanced behind her.
The man lingered nearby, his presence looming like a shadow. Brianna’s heart pounded as she took her change and ushered the kids toward the exit. Her hands trembled, but she kept moving, silently praying for nothing more than to get her children home safely.