In stark contrast to the luxury surroundings, a woman in shabby clothing timidly entered the restaurant. She was met with disapproving looks from the customers sat at their tables, their expressions showing their disgust for her messy hair and untidy appearance. Unable to hide her disgust, the hostess rushed over to the unwelcome guest and spoke to her in a condescending manner.
She scoffed, trying to quickly dismiss this unwanted intrusion, “Madam, you’ve probably mistaken this place for somewhere else.” Is this my grandson’s restaurant, the woman asked the hostess as she averted her eyes with a timid and shy expression. The diners exchanged shocked looks as murmurs and repressed laughter echoed across the dining room.
The hostess gave a forlorn glance and gave in. “You’re right; the restaurant belongs to your grandchild. What can I do to help you, madam? One especially irate diner responded to her resentful tone with a scream of annoyance.
“I didn’t come here with a reservation to eat with beggars! His annoyance was evident as he commanded, “Call the manager right away!” I won’t take much of your time, sweetheart, the elderly woman said, her voice scarcely rising above a whisper.
The hostess escorted the elderly woman inside reluctantly as there was a general aura of distaste and turned-up noses. I’d have called security if I were you, the offended customer muttered. Have you smelled her scent yet? It is intolerable. Others who didn’t try to hide their disgust shared the remark.
The elderly woman walked over to the dessert display and stared at it intently for a while. She appeared to be hoping for a free supper, but the waitstaff exchanged amused looks and decided not to give in. Tell me, sweetheart, is it feasible to purchase only half of the lemon cake? What would the price be? I have $17.” The wait staff had to hold back their amusement as she held a handful of crumpled notes in her shaky palm.
A server replied with a tinge of mocking, “Madam, I’m afraid even one slice of this cake is beyond your budget.” “This cake is a masterpiece created by our chef, and we don’t sell it in halves.” The elderly woman’s face lost all color, and something inside her appeared to have broken. With her shoulders hunched in defeat, she walked slowly in the other direction of the door.
She was about to give up when she noticed a military man and his wife sat in a corner of the restaurant. He beckoned to her, “Madam, please come here!” with a pleasant smile. You appear to be really upset. Has something changed?
She told her story while sobbing. “My daughter,” she said, her voice trembling, “became seriously ill as a young child. When we used to walk by this restaurant, she would spend a long time examining the display window. We had fantasized about having that lemon cake here one day, but she got sick. I had to work many jobs after my husband left to maintain my family. The only thing I can give her right now is this cake because we can no longer afford her medical care. However, I only have $17. She sobbed uncontrollably.
The military man ordered a server to wrap an entire lemon cake for the woman at his expense and signaled for one without thinking. “Today marks 17 years since we lost our son, Alex,” he said. He perished in an automobile crash. We were powerless—my wife, a doctor, and I. If it isn’t a sign from above—17 years and $17 in your pocket—then what is it?
His wife gave the elderly mother her business card and promised to assist with the care of her daughter. A grateful smile spread across the woman’s face as the waiter came back with the lemon cake. She gave the military couple her sincere appreciation and moved toward the door.
The restaurant fell into a terrible quiet as the customers lost any sense of humor. They were then reminded of the depths of generosity displayed by people and the chance encounters that could lead to unexpected connections.