“Just a cold, I think,” I said, trying to smile back.

I found the pediatric medicine on the bottom shelf near the back.

I also picked up a box of band-aids and a small plastic toy truck to keep Harrison occupied.

At the register, the total came to twenty-two dollars.

I opened my wallet and realized I only had two ten-dollar bills and a five-dollar bill left.

I handed them to the woman, my heart sinking.

“I need some groceries next,” I muttered to myself.

“The market is just next door,” the woman said, handing me my change. “But they don’t take out-of-state checks.”

“Thank you,” I said.

I walked back out into the cold, damp air.

I had exactly three dollars left in cash.

The nearest bank was miles away, and I was terrified of using an ATM that might flag my location.

But Harrison needed milk, bread, and fresh fruit.

We went into the small grocery store next door.

The shelves were stocked with local preserves and basic staples.

I filled a small red basket with milk, eggs, cheese, and some apples.