The old man stared at the warm food, then looked up into the young waiter’s eyes with a mixture of wonder and profound gratitude.
"Why are you always so kind to me, son?"
Jake adjusted his apron, his voice quiet yet unwavering:
"Because nobody should go hungry."
Chapter II: The Manager's Threat
"You can't keep doing this!"
A harsh, grating voice shattered the quiet atmosphere of the diner.
Marching over with an aggressive scowl was Gordon, the restaurant’s general manager. Dressed in a dark dress shirt, burgundy tie, and black apron, Gordon looked down at the old man with disgust.
"I’ve warned you three times this month, Jake," Gordon barked, crossing his arms. "This is a commercial dining establishment, not a soup kitchen for drifters. If he can't pay the full menu price, he gets out."
"I'll pay for his meal from my own tips, Gordon," Jake pleaded calmly, stepping between his manager and the elderly patron. "It comes directly out of my wages."
Gordon took a step forward, his eyes narrowing into cold, unforgiving slits: