To pay for her education, Natalie worked two jobs. She worked as a waitress in the afternoon and a janitor at night in addition to attending classes every morning.
After cleaning all night for a disruptive customer who stopped by the hostel where she worked one day, she was exhausted.
She had to clean the floor and remove the trash he had left behind. She wanted to treat herself to a nice meal after that.
She went to the cafeteria for lunch after a long day of classes. She ordered a mouthwatering bowl of pasta because she wanted to save as much money as possible and took advantage of the employee discount.
“You’re all set, Natalie. Enjoy! As she handed her the bowl of pasta, her coworker gave her a wink. “I made the portion a little bigger for you.”
“Apologies, Mia! I appreciate it, even though you weren’t required to. She attempted to talk but said, “It was a rough night.”
The cafeteria’s doors were opened by a musty elderly man in ripped clothing just as she was about to eat. The man was met with disgust by other customers, who covered their noses.
“This stench is too much!” a woman spoke out loud. “May I have some food and drink?” As he approached the counter, the elderly man said.
The manager came over and gave a headshake. Is it possible for you to pay for the food?” He asked the elderly man in jest.
Before the director continued, the elderly man displayed a momentary look of confusion. It is evident that you do not have the funds,” he stated. Get away from here.
Your odor is causing our customers to become disoriented. The elderly man hurt Natalie. He appeared weak as if he hadn’t eaten well in a while.
She came up to him and told him to sit at her table before he could get out of the cafeteria.
“Please settle down,” She advised him. She moved her pasta bowl in his direction as the man sat down in front of her. Natalie said, “You can have my lunch.”
As she stood to purchase a water bottle from the counter, she added, “Let me get you a bottle of water.” As she made her way to the counter, she could see the expression on her manager’s face.
“Why are you assisting that musty elderly man?” He pressed her. I learned from my late grandmother that I should assist the less fortunate when I can.
Even though this man seems hungry, I won’t die if I don’t eat this plate of pasta. We won’t know how long it will be before he passes out and gets sick if he doesn’t eat,” Natalie explained.
Natalie observed the man’s hasty consumption of the food. The owner of the restaurant showed up halfway through the meal and asked the manager about the smell. The manager immediately laid the blame on Natalie.
“This foul-smelling homeless man entered. Natalie provided him with lunch, and the man is still there. I attempted to drive him away, but he refused.
He elaborated, “I’m sorry, sir, I should have chased him away better.” What transpired next astonished everyone in the restaurant when the proprietor turned to the elderly man.
He rushed over to the man and gave him a firm hug. “Daddy!” He stated, weeping. For weeks, I’ve been looking for you! What have you been doing? He pressed.
The manager’s face became pale. Dad?” He started imagining various scenarios in his head because he was aware that he had committed a terrible error.
“I was lost, but when I saw that restaurant, I knew it was a familiar one because it looked like it. I was correct! The older man clarified, “It was your restaurant.”
She assisted me, that girl there. He made a point of Natalie. Even the manager was trying to get me out, but that girl asked me to sit down and gave me food.
The proprietor of the restaurant drove his father home so that he could recuperate. He went back to the restaurant after a few hours while Natalie worked her shift.
He invited her to his office and expressed gratitude for her actions. “I have always prayed that God would provide me with employees who are dedicated to their work and compassionate toward others, like you.
Even though you had no idea who my father was, I am grateful that you assisted him… He stated, “I’ve decided to promote you to agency manager.”
I’ve increased your salary because I know you’re a student who works, so you won’t have to work two jobs anymore. Spend your evenings relaxing.
Is that alright?” Now, Natalie was crying. She was having such a difficult time juggling her two jobs and school, and the chance to quit one without losing money seemed too good to be true.
Sir, “Would you really do that for me?” She contacted him. Her boss gave a nod. Yes. I need enough time for you to concentrate on your studies.
That can’t be accomplished by working two jobs. Work your usual shifts here, but as a manager, instead of the other one. You are due it.
Natalie thanked her manager for the raise. She was able to do well in school and enjoy her job because she had more time for herself.
In the meantime, when the former manager was let go, he learned a very hard lesson. He was told by his boss that he did not meet the requirements of the company for what it meant to be a “good employee.”
He stated, “In this restaurant, values are more important than anything else.” Everyone is welcome here. You are not deserving of being here if you do not respect that.
