It was the older woman in the floral cardigan who had been in the produce section earlier. She stood a few feet away, her kind eyes fixed on him. Behind her were the young mother, the older man, the teenage boy, and a cashier who had stepped out of the store.
Their faces carried a mix of compassion and hesitation, as if unsure how to approach him. The woman took a small step closer, her smile gentle but resolute. “I couldn’t help but overhear what happened,” she said softly. “Please, let us help.”