To the editor:

This story has to be told.

I’m standing in line at a Payless checkstand and see my basket cleared with a $63 total, when the clerk rings up another $3.

“No,” I say, “that belongs to him,” pointing to the man behind me.

The clerk says, “No, he says he wants to pay for your groceries.”

“That can’t be …” I stutter, confused and shocked.

The middle-aged man in work clothes leans toward my ear and quietly says, “I recently came into some good fortune and want to pay it forward, so I want to buy your groceries today.” The clerk finishes bagging my stuff and pushes out my cart.

“Wow,” I say, “I guess that means it’s time for me to pay it forward too,” all the time seeing that kid, Trevor, working out how he’s going to pay it forward. I saw that movie several times — loved it.

“That’s up to you.” the man said, “It’s not necessary.”

Still speechless but hearing his letting go of any obligation, I did the only thing I could think of. “May I give you a hug?”

He returned it and we each moved on. I was too stunned to ask his name.

I got in my car — in wonder at what had just happened.

THEO WELLS

Freeland