Karmaccino

At the train station where I work, there’s a fast food restaurant where I like to get dinner every now and then. One evening, I decide to try out a special. I order to go as I prefer to eat at home. There are a moderate number of customers, normal for this time, but these guys are usually rather quick, so I don’t expect to wait for more than five or so minutes.

I am wrong.

After about fifteen minutes, my number still isn’t called. Next to me sits another customer. He is getting more and more impatient, furious even. At some point, an employee comes by.

Employee: “I’m very sorry for the wait. One of the ovens has broken down and we’re way behind.”

I glance at my watch.

Me: “Oh, that sucks. My train leaves in thirty minutes. Do you think you can make my order before that?”

Employee: “Yes, certainly. It should only be another ten minutes.”

Me: “Ah, that’s fine, then.”

Customer: *In a mocking tone* “‘That’s fine, then.’ Well, maybe you have time, but some people have places to be! You’d better make sure I get my order right now. I’ve wasted enough time here already!”

The employee just utters another apology and leaves. I look at the customer and I recognize him. He takes the same train I do.

A few moments later, another employee whom I recognize as the shift leader comes by and puts a cup of cappuccino in front of me.

Me: “I didn’t order that.”

Shift Leader: “It’s on the house. Sorry for the wait.”

Me: “Oh, thank you.”

Customer: “Hey! I’ve had to wait, too! Where’s mine?”

Shift Leader: “Oh, you said you have places to be. I didn’t want to keep you.”

As he said this, the employee from before placed our orders on the table. The man only glared, took his bag, and stormed out. I thanked the employee and enjoyed my cappuccino. When I eventually made it to the platform, the customer from before was there, too. It was another ten or so minutes before our train arrived.