I never meant for any of this to happen. I only walked into that little corner store because my youngest wouldn’t stop crying, hungry and desperate for something to eat. I thought maybe I could find something—anything—cheap enough to fill us up. But the eggs? They were $4.29, and I had just $1.67 left in my wallet. I stood there, staring at that carton for what felt like an eternity. Then, without thinking, I slipped them into my coat pocket.
I should’ve known better. The cashier saw me. He didn’t shout, didn’t make a scene. All he said was, “You wanna pay for those?” Panic surged through me. I bolted out of the store. Stupid, I know, but I didn’t even make it halfway down the alley before a patrol car pulled up behind me.