Just wanted to share something that stuck with me yesterday. I was at Winco in Kent WA, where they only accept debit cards, no credit cards or Apple Pay. A couple was having trouble paying, and it became clear they didn’t have a working payment method. They started quietly arguing, clearly stressed and overwhelmed.

Then this guy, who had been behind them came up and very subtly said, “I’ll pay for it, just don’t tell them” Their total was about $120. He walked up, paid for it without saying a word to them, and left immediately, didn’t even wait around or look back.

What really got me was how he didn’t want any attention for it. He didn’t make a show of it. He didn’t even stay to see their reaction. You know how you can sometimes sense when people do good things just to be seen or praised? He wasn’t like that at all. Just genuinely kind.

The couple didn’t get to thank him. The woman started crying once she realized someone had paid.

To that stranger, if by some chance you see this, just know your quiet act of kindness didn’t go unnoticed. I’m sure that couple is incredibly grateful, even if they couldn’t say it. You reminded me today that there’s still so much good out there.

Image: By M.O. Stevens - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0