Food Run

Imagine feeding a family of four with less than $60 to spend. An out-of-work, divorced mother of two tries to do just that when she makes a last-minute dash to the supermarket before it closes. With a shopping list in hand, she races through the store, compares prices and strives to stick to her limited budget as she buys groceries for her school-aged children and ailing mother. Her late-night shopping trip almost goes according to plan, until it's time for her to pay. An unexpected encounter at the checkout stand forces her to consider all her choices – and their consequences.

This modern short story contains approximately 6,000 words.