Officer Miller

Reluctantly, the manager stepped back.

Officer Miller escorted the old man toward the front of the store. The manager assumed he was being walked out, maybe even toward the patrol car. Instead, the officer stopped at the checkout.

He placed the bread, eggs, and dog food on the conveyor belt.

Then he went back into the aisles.

He returned with a rotisserie chicken, milk, fresh vegetables, and a larger, high-quality bag of dog food. He added a few extra items—soup, fruit, and a box of oatmeal.

At the register, Officer Miller pulled out his own credit card and paid for everything.

The cashier’s eyes widened, but she said nothing.

The officer handed the bags to the old man.

“Sir,” he said, “you are not going to jail today. You’re going home to feed your dog.”

The old man stared at the bags as if they weren’t real. Then his shoulders began to shake. He broke down crying right there in the middle of the store.

“Why?” he sobbed. “I broke the law.”

Officer Miller placed a steady hand on his shoulder.

“Sometimes the law is black and white,” he said quietly. “But humanity is gray. And we take care of our elders in this town.” Continue reading…