I decided to surprise my son by visiting his restaurant. Dressed in a simple but neat dress, I excitedly entered the place. The atmosphere in the restaurant was lively and I felt a little out of place as I sat down at a table near the window to enjoy the sun rays. However, soon a woman dressed in flashy designer clothes approached me with a smug look on her face.
In a condescending voice, she said, “Excuse me, but this table is reserved for my friend and me. You must please find another seat.” Her words were like a cold shiver running over me. Surprised and hurt, I tried to politely explain, “Oh, I didn’t know that. There was no reservation sign on the table.” She sneered and replied, “It doesn’t matter.
This table is dressed for someone more appropriate. You don’t want to embarrass yourself and others.” Her words cut me deep and I felt humiliated. I gathered my things in silence and left the restaurant, feeling insignificant and out of place in a place that reflected my son’s hard work.
The bus ride home was filled with thoughts of the humiliating experience, and I decided not to tell John. We had planned to have lunch together the next day, and I didn’t want to spoil the mood. But the humiliation gnawed at me.
When the next day came, I carefully prepared for lunch with John and his girlfriend. I set the table with my best dishes and cooked his favorite dishes to provide a celebratory meal for him and his fiancée. When John and Sarah finally arrived, my heart sank. The same young woman who had treated me so rudely earlier in the restaurant was now at my door.
She recognized me immediately, but acted as if nothing had happened. «Hello, Mom!» John greeted me warmly and introduced me to Sarah: «This is Sarah.» «Nice to meet you,» Sarah said with a faceless smile that radiated no warmth.
«Nice to meet you too,» I replied, trying to put on a friendly smile. We sat down to eat, but the atmosphere was noticeably tense. John chatted happily about his restaurant and future plans, while Sarah occasionally interrupted with the same smug tone.
«Mom, I wanted to ask you something,» John began after a while. «Sarah wants to buy a café and run it herself. We were hoping you could lend us some money to get started.» Surprised, I asked: «A café?» «Yes,» Sarah answered enthusiastically. «It’s a fantastic opportunity.» Sarah got up to freshen up, skillfully avoiding the serious conversation about money.
This was my chance to talk to John. «Are you sure? That’s a lot of money,» I said worriedly. «Mom, Sarah has big dreams. She wants to grow and not just depend on me,» John replied, his frustration evident. «I don’t trust her, John. She treated me badly in your restaurant,» I explained. «Why didn’t you tell me that right away? Now it seems like an excuse,» John said disappointedly. «John, I just want you to be careful,» I pleaded.
When Sarah returned, she sensed the tension. «What’s wrong?» she asked sharply. «Mom says she won’t give us the money,» John said angrily. «Why not?» Sarah demanded, narrowing her eyes at me. «I don’t trust you, Sarah. You treated me badly,» I said firmly. Sarah’s expression turned into a mask of horror. «Oh my God, there has to be a misunderstanding. I would never do something like that,» she said with exaggerated sweetness.
When her attempt at innocence didn’t work, she pouted and turned to John. «If your mother doesn’t accept me, our relationship is over.» «Sarah, wait…» John tried to reassure her, but she was adamant. «It’s either her or me,» Sarah said, staring at me defiantly. John looked torn, but finally stood up. «Let’s go, Sarah,» he said, taking her hand.
They left the house, leaving me alone at the table. I hoped fervently that John would realize the truth before it was too late. A month later, I received an invitation to the opening of the cafe.
John had raised the money for Sarah and wanted to reconcile. Determined to go with a plan in mind, I dressed up for the occasion. As I approached the cafe, I saw the happy crowd and the festive decorations. John greeted me warmly and witha hopeful smile.
During the celebration, I asked Sarah to speak outside. We stood near the back entrance and I casually asked questions about her plans for the cafe. Sarah boasted about the money she had received and revealed her true intentions. Inside, everyone heard her words over the speakers as I had secretly connected a recorder via Bluetooth.
John was shaken and humiliated. Sarah tried to justify herself, but it was too late. The damage was done. A few days later, John invited me to dinner at his restaurant.
He sincerely apologized and acknowledged his mistakes. He had ended the relationship with Sarah but could not get the money back. It was a hard lesson for him, but he had learned from it. We enjoyed the evening surrounded by friends and family, knowing that John had come out of the experience stronger and wiser.
