My 13-year-old daughter is new to the area and unfortunately got lost on her way to school while riding her scooter. I work about an hour away, so unfortunately I wasn't able to come get her myself. I asked her to wait at the 7-Eleven for my boyfriend to come pick her up, which was only about 10 minutes away. It was over 100° outside, and her phone was overheating, so she wanted to go inside, get a drink, and wait somewhere cool and safe. She did purchase a drink and waited inside for her ride. She also brought her scooter inside because I had specifically asked her not to leave it outside due to the area. The man working told her that she had five minutes and then would need to leave and could not continue waiting there. As a mother, I was extremely disappointed to hear that. This was a 13-year-old girl, new to town, who had gotten lost, was trying to get somewhere safe and cool, and was simply waiting for her ride to arrive. She wasn't causing trouble, bothering anyone, or trying to take advantage of the store. She even made a purchase. I understand that a business has rules and that employees have responsibilities, but I also believe there are situations where a little compassion and common decency should come into play. She was a young girl who was already uncomfortable and unsure of where she was, and she was only asking for a safe place to wait for a few minutes while her ride was on the way. I sincerely hope that next time, before speaking to a child in that situation, he considers how he would want his own daughter or granddaughter to be treated. I wasn't asking him to take responsibility for my child or allow her to stay there all day. I simply expected a little understanding toward a 13-year-old who was lost, alone, in over 100° weather, and waiting for someone to come get her. There was an opportunity here to show a little kindness to a young person who was having a difficult morning and unfortunately, that was not our experience. read more