Day 1 — Real life Superwoman: A Waitress’s Story of Motherly Sacrifice and Love!!
Writing challenge Day 1
This is my first attempt at writing a fictional story. Hope you guys like it.
Today is Sunday, the best day of the week. Despite feeling lethargic, when I looked out of the window, I saw a foggy, cold morning and felt to enjoy a nice hot Sunday breakfast. Checking the time, I saw it was 6:30 am and decided to drive to my favorite restaurant — The Diner’s. Arriving around 7:00 am, I ordered my usual: hot chocolate with whipped cream (since Sundays are to binge) and a veggie omelet with mushrooms, spinach, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, with extra cheese. The restaurant opened at 5 am and was completely crowded. I was fortunate enough to secure a window seat, which felt like winning the lottery for me. (I know it might sound strange, but whenever I dine out, the seat and the location matter a lot to me).
The tables were placed quite close to each other since it’s a small diner. I got my hot chocolate which was rich and creamy topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. I immediately took a photo of it.
There was an old gentleman sitting at an adjoining table. He wore a striped, brown hat and seemed to be enjoying his coffee. When he noticed me taking a picture of my hot chocolate, he immediately remarked, in an amusing tone: I don’t understand what it is with your generation. Instead of enjoying the moment, you are more inclined towards taking photos. Haha. I said: sometimes I find myself instinctively reaching for my phone to take a photo, even though I know it might sound strange.
Our conversation was interrupted when I saw his waitress, a pregnant woman, struggling to carry a big tray of his order. I immediately got up to help her with her tray. Witnessing this, the old man became concerned for her well-being and couldn’t resist asking her name and how long she had been working there.
She replied: My name is Alice. I am working here for 3 months now.
The old man further inquired: if you don’t mind me asking, how many months pregnant are you?
Alice replied: I am 5 months pregnant. My husband passed away 4 months back in an accident and in order to support myself and my child, I decided to become a waitress. The old man gestured for her to sit beside him and asked the restaurant manager if it was possible for her to join him for 15 minutes. The restaurant manager was kind enough and agreed to his request.
I asked her: Did you have anything to eat this morning before coming to work?
She replied: I just had fruits. Due to my morning sickness, I couldn’t eat much.
The old man quickly interjected: What would you like to eat from the menu, dear. Don’t worry about the bill. I’ll take care of it. Alice was initially reluctant but eventually agreed after being persuaded by both me and the old man.
Alice said through her tears: There are very few people like you, sir. Thank you!! She continued, almost as if she wanted someone to listen. There have been times when my friends ask me to find a partner, and I do have a good friend, Mark, who takes care of me. But I am just not ready for all of this as of now. It is too soon for me. Besides, I want everything for my baby just like the way my husband dreamt for. I cannot forget the day he found out — that we are pregnant and was so happy. His joy knew no bounds. He wanted everything that he could for the baby. I sometimes had to stop him from buying unnecessary things.
I know he is with us. He is watching over us. His warmth, his hugs surround me every time I think about him. This was, and will always be, our time. I want my child to know how loving his father was, and all the plans he had for him.
I was so engrossed in Alice’s story that I completely forgot about my omelet, which had now gone cold on my table. Alice ate with us and although I felt content, I also couldn’t shake off worries for her.
We often complain about trivial matters in life, but when faced with such examples, we realize how insignificant our complaints truly are compared to the challenges others endure, yet they still muster the courage to overcome them.
Despite her struggles, Alice appeared strong and brave. We both gave her a tight hug. The old man graciously took care of the bill and left a generous tip for her. I also left a tip for her.
I left with a heavy heart reflecting on my own life and the lives of others. We are all on our unique journey and have our own responsibilities, yet it costs us nothing to show humanity, strength, and affection towards others. Whether or not we can offer financial assistance, what truly matters is that we give our time to those in need. Being there for someone can make all the difference!!
Always remember: The life you are living maybe someone else’s dream. Be grateful for what you have in your life.
