Big Bucks

Dan and Laura went up and down the aisles, filling their shopping cart. Laura used an application she had on her phone to calculate a running total, with tax, so they wouldn't go over budget. Things like medicine, bandaids, and ointments were a priority. It was something they both listed.

"How are you, Dan?" Ms. Carmen greeted as she came down the aisle. "Ms. Palm," she said with a smile. "How are you two coming along?"

"Doing well, Ms. Carmen. Just getting the things we need. I saw you were busy today," Dan said with a nod.

"We're doing well, Carmen," Laura greeted as she shook the other woman's hand and took a stepped back. "Thank you for doing what you could for us. This... well, this will go a long way to making sure we have what we need until one of us is paid."

"It's my pleasure to help where I can," Ms. Carmen said with a judicious nod. "You're off tomorrow?" she asked Dan.

"Yeah," he answered with a shrug. "Do you need me to come in?"

"No, just come see me on Thursday. I've got a short day," Ms. Carmen said before turning around and heading back up the aisle.

"Ahem," Laura commented with a raised eyebrow. Her son was checking out his boss and had a look in his eye she knew well.

"Right, you mentioned another set of sheets," he said with a faint blush.

"I did," she commented as she took a deep breath. "We've still got some left between the two cards. I'm getting an apron and see about a real nightshirt. The shirts I'm wearing now keep slipping."

"If you want," Dan commented with a shrug.

"Hmmm," she hummed noncommittally. "It'll get cold soon. They were talking about it on the news. Maybe a blanket is more important," she sighed.

Dan put a hand on his mother's shoulder and gently squeezed. "Whatever you feel is best," he said with a smile when she looked at him.