Fries Are Good For The Soul

(I don’t feel like cooking so we drive into town to a local franchise. My husband, small son, and I are the only customers in the store. We have just been brought our food when three teen boys come in drenching wet and sit down at the next table. We overhear them:)

Teen #1: “We have to buy something or they’ll kick us out. Mom won’t be here for 20 minutes.”

(They started to pool their money counting out change. Then go to the counter to order.)

Teen #1: “Small fries and some water, please.”

Teen #2: “Same for me, please.”

Cashier: *to third teen* “And for you?”

Teen #3: *embarrassed foot shuffle* “Just water, please.”

(A few minutes later the cashier, a middle-aged man whom I believe is the owner, comes out with three orders of fries.)

Teens: “We just ordered two?

Cashier: “Well, he should have something, too.”

(It was a small gesture, and though we didn’t normally eat fast food, we always went there because of their kind act.)