Sit Down Or Fall Down

(I’ve recently broken my ankle, but I’m beginning to walk on it again using a walker or, in this instance, a cane. We are going to a restaurant, and all of the handicap spots are taken. They drop me off and go to park in the back of the parking lot. I go inside to check in.)

Me: “Hello, we have a reservation for [My Name].”

Host: “Yes, your table is ready, but we won’t be able to seat you until the entire party is here.”

Me: “Could you make an exception? I’m struggling a little here—” *gestures to my walking boot and cane* “—and I need to sit down.”

Host: “You’re welcome to sit in the waiting area.”

(I look. All of the waiting area seats are taken. I move towards them, but no one offers me a seat, and the people I ask refuse. My family still hasn’t come in from parking.)

Me: “Please, I really need to sit down.”

Host: “Ma’am, I can’t let you sit until everyone is here. If you don’t like it, I can get the manager.”

Me: *almost in tears from pain* “Why can’t you just let me sit at the table?”

Host: “It’s policy.”

(At this point, another party was called, and I took one of the waiting area seats they vacated. My family members took almost another ten minutes to find parking and walk from the far spot inside, so it’s a good thing the other party got called or I might have collapsed.)