She walked slowly between the aisles, carefully examining the items. Her gray hair peeked out from under a checkered scarf. She picked up a loaf of bread, but put it back when she saw the price. Then she took a pack of butter, squinted, turned it over, and sighed deeply.

The prices seemed outrageously high, almost mocking. More and more often she put items back, realizing that her money might not even be enough for the bare essentials.