A waitress gives up her meal for a smelly, badly dressed old man and sees her boss hugging him

Striving to make ends meet, Natalie juggled academic pursuits and two demanding jobs—one in the service industry and another as a custodian.

One particularly grueling evening at the lodging facility she tidied up after a difficult patron, cleaning floors and disposing of litter. Craving a small reward, she decided on a nourishing meal post-shift.

After her classes, Natalie visited the eatery for a meal, utilizing her staff discount to purchase a sumptuous pasta dish she normally wouldn’t indulge in, given her budget constraints.

“Here’s your order, Natalie. I added a bit extra for you today,” her colleague Mia commented with a smile as she passed the meal to her.

“That’s so kind of you, Mia! You’ve really cheered me up. Last night was a challenge,” Natalie gratefully replied in conversation.

Just as Natalie was set to enjoy her food, a disheveled elderly gentleman entered, exuding a noticeable odor. Disapproval and discomfort emanated from the other patrons.

“That odor is insufferable!” exclaimed one diner.

“May I get some food and a drink?” the old gent asked upon reaching the counter.

The supervisor sauntered over with a sneer.

“Do you have any money?” he probed, barely concealing his derision.

A look of bewilderment crossed the old man’s face as the manager continued to belittle him.

“You clearly can’t afford anything,” the supervisor snarled. “Leave now. You’re causing a disturbance with that awful stench.”

Moved by the elderly man’s plight, Natalie, observing his frail appearance, intervened before he could exit.

“Please, have a seat here,” she offered gently.

The man sat down, and without a second thought, Natalie pushed her pasta meal towards him, offering sustenance.

“This is for you,” she said, standing to purchase him water. The stare of her boss bore into her as she made her transaction.

“Why assist someone like him?” her supervisor questioned, puzzled.

Natalie responded with conviction, citing her grandmother’s wisdom that helping others is our duty when we can, pointing out that missing a meal is insignificant compared to the man’s evident hunger.

Amidst the dining man’s meal, the eatery’s proprietor arrived, inquiring about the pervasive scent. Instantly, the supervisor scapegoated Natalie.

“This vagrant trespassed. Despite my effort to remove him, Natalie fed him, and he remains,” he apologized to his superior.

Contrary to everyone’s expectancy, the owner approached the elderly gentleman, embracing him fondly.

“Father!” he exclaimed tearfully. “I’ve searched tirelessly. Where have you vanished to?” he inquired.

A look of horror washed over the supervisor. “Your father?” he thought realizing his error.

The elderly man recounted his story: disoriented, he wandered until stumbling upon the familiar restaurant. Indicating Natalie, he praised her for the kindness she showed when all others turned him away.

After attending to his father, the owner returned, pulling Natalie aside. He profusely thanked her for her compassion.

In gratitude for her display of humanity and underpinning the core values of the establishment, the owner promoted Natalie to a managerial role, adjusting her wage to alleviate her need for multiple jobs and offering her the evenings to recuperate and study.

Amidst tears of relief and joy, Natalie accepted. This opportunity meant she could prioritize her education while still performing work she was passionate about.

The former supervisor, on the other hand, found himself dismissed, having fallen short of embodying the principles espoused by the restaurant.

“Our place prides itself on principles and open arms for all. Should you disregard this ethos, this is not a place for you,” the owner declared.