Thru Drive Me Crazy

(I am a customer in line in a drive thru. I only have about five minutes as I am already late to class. I listen to the exchange between the person ahead of me and the cashier.)

Customer: “Okay, I want a #4, with extra cheese. Last time there wasn’t enough cheese on there. I want a #9 with cabbage instead of lettuce. I want a #2 with no tomatoes. I want a #1 with no cheese. I want 5 orders of fries, and a cookie.”

(I am thinking to myself how this could possibly take any longer. The customer finally finishes, and I order and pull up to pay.)

Customer: “So you made sure you took all of my requests right? You people are so stupid sometimes! You really just need to listen to what the customer wants.”

(At this point, I’m feeling bad for the poor young soul behind the cash register. She looks like she is about 18 years old, and about to cry. Also, I’m getting mad because I’m getting held up. I lean my head out of the window.)

Me: “You know what? Maybe you should realize that this is a fast food place. Not only that, you are in the drive thru. Customizations require extra work, and sometimes people mess up. Also, this girl didn’t do anything to mess up your order yet, so why are you getting mad at her?”

Customer: *to the cashier* “I… I… I’m sorry…”

(The customer takes the food and speeds off. I proceed up to the window. The cashier and about five other associates who have heard the exchange all come over to the window.)

Cashier: “Thank you so much for sticking up for me. This was my second day on the job, and I only took it because my dad is ill, and can’t support my family.”

Me: “It’s okay; some people can just be so mean!”

Manager: “As a special thank you, we’d like to give you your meal for free.”

Me: “Thanks anyway, but I’d rather you give the money to this young lady here. Keep smiling sweetie, and remember that for every jerk in the world, there is always a compassionate stranger.”