(We’ve just opened and I already have a long line, which is being held up by a customer whose drink I’ve remade three times, but he’s still not pleased. He’s been yelling at me for the last three minutes, and the entire line is started to get annoyed.)

Customer #1: “How hard is it to make a d*** drink?”

Me: “Sir, I’ve made your drink exactly how I was taught. If you would just—”

Customer #1: “Then I guess you’re too f***ing stupid to make it right!”

(He grows increasingly belligerent, swearing at me for another minute or so. However, Customer #2, a woman behind him, has had enough. She grabs him by the shoulder and physically turns him to look at her.)

Customer #2: “Shut. The. F***. Up! I just had a f***ing baby! I’m on my period and PMS-ing! And I haven’t slept for three f***ing days! You are getting in between me and my coffee. Now take your d*** sissy drink and get the f*** out of my way, before I get angry!”

(Everyone in the store is stunned at her outburst.)

Customer #1: “But she didn’t—”

Customer #2: *through her teeth* “She. Made. It. Right. LEAVE.”

(He takes his drink and slinks out of the store. Everyone is still in shock when Customer #2 walks up to the counter.)

Me: “Wha-what can I get you, ma’am?”

Customer #2: “Large. Black.”

Me: “Would you—”

Customer #2: “No.”

(I make her drink as quickly as is possible. I give her a smile as I hand it to her.)

Me: “Have a wonderful day, and may I just say you look fantastic for just having had a baby.”

Customer #2: *much sweeter now* “Thank you. You have a good day, too.”

(She left a $20 tip!)