Rather than using a $1 coin to release the trolley, I used a Carrefour key hob designed for that purpose. Fastened to it was a set of house keys and a keychain.

After I had paid for my purchases, I was on my way to return the trolley when a couple with a child approached me with a $1 coin in exchange for the trolley.

Because I was in a hurry and also because I did not use the key hob often, I forgot that my keys were still attached to the trolley, so I took the dollar from them and passed them the trolley.

It was only when I reached home that I realised that I had misplaced my keys. When I called Carrefour that night, as well as several times over the next few days, the customer service officers who took my call informed me that, sadly, no one had returned my keys.

I am terribly disappointed with the family who had taken my trolley.

When they had realised that my keys were still attached to the trolley, would it have been too much of an effort for them to pass my keys to the customer service counter?

Fortunately, there was someone at home who was able to unlock my front door for me - what if I were living alone? I would have been locked out of my house at 10 o'clock at night.

Furthermore, the keychain attached to the keys was a gift from my husband, and holds great sentimental value for me.

I implore all readers to spare a thought when they find items that have been lost, as what may seem insignificant items to them may be of great importance to others.

I am still hoping that the family who took over the trolley with my keys will return them to Carrefour, and in thus doing restore my faith in human kindness and in Singaporeans.

Lily Chua Kah Choo (Mdm)