“Are you okay Momma?” I look down at my two year old and smile.

“Of course I’m okay sweet pea” I say as I carry on pushing the trolley, its squeaky wheels screeching in my mind. I look up to regain my composure but the lights are blinding. “I just have a little headache, that's all, I’ll be alright.”

We continue shopping for the next ten minutes, but the pounding in my head only gets worse. I head to the toilet so I can sit down for a moment, but I forget I haven’t paid for my items and the alarm starts blaring.

“I’m so sorry I wasn’t thinking straight” i tell the security guard who scowls at me disapprovingly.

“You can’t take items you haven’t bought into the toilet with you.”

“Yes I know that, it was a mistake.”

“It’s company policy, you’ll need to leave them out here.”

“YES I KNOW THAT!” I snap as my heart begins pounding in my chest.

“Ma’am I’m going to need you to come with me.” I pick my daughter up and follow the man, the room feels like it’s spinning around me. As soon as I sit down in a little office I ask for a drink of water.

I’m refused.

Another ten minutes pass and the man is still lecturing me about my inappropriate behaviour. I apologise over and over as my mouth continues to dry out.

I become too weak to say anymore and the next thing I know I’m waking up with my daughter tugging at my arm and a cup of water in front of me.

“Do you need an ambulance?” A tall lady asks hovering above me. I shake my head and go to get up, but she stops me. “Take it easy and have some water, you’re dehydrated. I nod and do as she says. After a while I start to feel a little better.

“Go home and get some rest” the lady tells me as the man crosses his arms in the seat opposite.

“What about my shopping?” I ask him.

“It’s not yours, you haven’t paid for it. And you’re not coming back to this store again.” The lady goes to protest, but it’s no use, his decision is final! I get up and carry my daughter out the store with me, tears in my eyes.

“Don’t worry darling, there are other stores we can go to.” I look up at my car and sigh, I don’t think I’m in the right headspace to drive, but what other choice do I have? I have to do it for her. A mother must always do what she can for her child, my health must always come second.