I’m a Grandma Raising Twin Boys – I Bought a Fridge from a Thrift Store, but It Came with a Secret

“Can we fix it?” Noah asked, his serious brown eyes searching my face.

“I don’t think so, sweetheart.”

We’d been saving a little money, about $180, for back-to-school clothes. Now it was fridge money, and my heart ached at the thought of the boys starting third grade in shoes that were already too tight.

The next day, I packed Noah and Jack into the car and drove to Second Chance Thrift, a dusty little appliance shop on the edge of town that smelled like motor oil and old coffee. Inside, rows of used fridges stood like soldiers, tall and dented.

The owner, a round man with kind eyes and grease-stained hands, greeted us at the door.

His name was Frank, and I’d bought a washing machine from him two years ago.

“What’re you looking for today, sweetheart?” he asked, wiping his hands on a rag.

“Something that stays cold,” I said, managing a tired smile. “And costs less than my mortgage. I hope that’s not too difficult.”

He laughed.

“Alright, alright. Let me show you what I’ve got.”

He led us to a corner where an older white Whirlpool stood against the wall. It was dented on one side, missing a shelf inside, but the motor was running, and it felt cold when I stuck my hand in.

“Hundred and twenty bucks,” Frank said.

“She’s old, but she’s faithful. Had her tested this morning.”

I was about to nod and shake his hand when I heard a sharp voice behind me.

“I’ll take it.”

I immediately turned around

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