Terrified boy enters convenience store and asks cashier to 'act like you're my mum' — she plays along saving his life
Our caution and astute behavior can play a major role in a seemingly mundane setting. Danger catches people off guard and if even something as simple as our presence can help, we should do our best. 10-year-old Sammy Green was in potential danger when a strange woman began following him, per ABC 6 Philadelphia. When he felt threatened by her, he knew he had to do something. He walked straight into a convenience store, went to the cashier and asked her an ingenious question. The woman at the counter knew nothing of what was happening but played along and managed to save the boy’s life.
Sammy was walking home when a woman reached up to him and started making conversation. Walking with him and refusing to leave, the stranger kept speaking to the boy to make him believe she knew him. “She started walking with him and asking him where his family was, asking where his dad was," Sam Green, Sammy’s father said. The boy found the woman’s pestering and strange nature suspicious but had no means of escape as she was walking right beside him. She kept speaking to the boy and tried to manipulate him subtly but Sammy was not having it. "She said she probably knew me and was going to Wawa and that he was supposed to go with her and he could get anything he wanted," his dad explained.
As the duo walked a few steps, they reached a convenience store. Sammy had to think fast as it was just a few moments before they could pass the same while walking. He quickly walked into the store and went straight to the cash counter. There was no one at the store, except the cashier, 17-year-old Hannah. While the woman stayed at the door of the store, in hopes to continue walking with the boy, she didn’t know the smart plan he had made in the spur of the moment. Sammy walked to the cashier and said firmly, “Act like you’re my mom, this lady is following me.” The camera in the store captured the scenario, which was later shared online.
Hannah recalled Sammy being scared and hanging on by her side, as per CBS News. He was “shaking with fear” after encountering the unprecedented situation. She quickly got things in control. Asking the boy to wait by the counter, she went over and immediately shut the door of the store, forcing the woman to abruptly leave from the doorstep. Sam was grateful to the store and the employee who knew just what to do. He was even proud that his 10-year-old made a quick life-saving plan. Sharing that he had guided Sammy on what he could do in such situations, he pointed out the importance of making kids aware of potential dangers. “Think of every scenario and make sure that children know and also practice it. Practice your situations and scenarios just like fire drills,” he remarked. The lady who was following the boy was identified by the police and later got help for her mental health issues.