Runaway shopping trolley
I had just finished grocery shopping with my girls, two year-old Lucy, and eight-month old Rubie. As we made our way to the car with the laden trolley, I stopped outside a craft shop as something inside caught my eye. Foolishly parking the cart outside the door I went a few feet inside with Lucy to have a closer look. When I looked back, Rubie had jiggled the trolley loose, and set it careering down a ramp into the shopping arcade. Gripped with panic, I took off after the trolley. People were running from all directions to stop my trolley! Those few seconds seemed to last forever as I saw the trolley career down the ramp and slam into a pole at the bottom. The trolley, heavy with a fortnight's food supply, tipped over and my baby girl's head went "thump" on the ground. As I scooped her into my arms I was vaguely aware of several strangers picking up the food items and repacking the trolley. My baby whimpered, then started to fall asleep in my arms. My fear increased, and I looked up at the crowd that had gathered around me. "She's not meant to do that, is she?!" I asked no-one in particular. One woman's kindness stood out from the others. She helped us up, and into a nearby shop to sit down. Then she offered to drive the three of us to our doctor. I sat in the back with my injured baby, while she drove, chatting happily to my two year-old, and putting us all at ease. Thankfully there was no serious injury, and Rubie was soon her normal happy self again. I have no idea who our generous driver was that day, but I will always be grateful.








