The cashier’s expression was impatient as she rang up a small bag of rice, a can of beans, and a big bag of dry dog food.

“I’m sorry, sir, but you’re short,” she said, her voice flat, already ready to move on.

The man’s face crumpled in quiet defeat. He pulled the can of beans aside and asked, almost in a whisper, “Is it enough now?”

The cashier sighed. “You’re still short by three dollars. Do you want to put back the rice too?”

My chest tightened as I watched him glance down at the dog at his feet, a scruffy mutt with soft eyes and ribs showing under its fur. He reached for the rice, clearly about to give it up. The dog wagged its tail anyway, completely unaware of the sacrifice.