One afternoon, an elderly woman was caught in a sudden downpour and ended up completely soaked. In search of shelter, she approached a well-known café, only to be turned away by the manager. What happened next left the arrogant employee completely stunned.
Linda was on her way to dinner when the rain began pouring unexpectedly. Without an umbrella, her neatly styled hair clung to her face, damp and messy. Her blouse and jacket were soaked, making her look disheveled.
The nearest place for refuge was a popular upscale café, often visited by celebrities and wealthy clients. As she reached the entrance, a porter stopped her abruptly.
“Ma’am, this is a members-only establishment. You’ll need a reservation to enter,” he said, glancing at her soaked appearance. Then he muttered under his breath, “You probably can’t afford to eat here anyway.”
Insulted by his comment, Linda asked to speak to the manager. However, when the manager appeared, he echoed the same attitude and refused to let her in.
“Ma’am, we’re currently hosting over a hundred guests. Let’s not waste each other’s time. I’m asking you to leave,” said the manager, whose name tag read “Simon.”
“I only need to wait out the rain. I’m willing to place an order too,” Linda replied, trying to reason with him.
“I can’t let you in looking like that. You’ll scare off our patrons,” Simon responded, shaking his head.
With no choice, Linda turned away and left to find shelter elsewhere.
The following day, when Simon arrived at work, he found the café owner already there. The owner pulled him aside.
“Today is important — a friend of mine and his wife are coming. They’re thinking about purchasing this café, so everything needs to be perfect.”
Simon immediately briefed the staff, ensuring everything was spotless for their VIP guests. That evening, the owner beckoned him over to the table.
“Let me introduce you to our manager,” he said proudly. “He’s a vital part of our team — kind, attentive, and helpful.”
The woman turned toward Simon with a smile. “He certainly appears just as you described,” she said.
It was Linda.
Simon’s face went pale. He instantly recognized the woman he had refused to help the day before. Linda turned to the owner and smiled.
“You have a wonderful café and such charming staff. My husband and I are happy to move forward with the purchase,” she announced.
The next day, Linda and her husband began observing daily operations, wanting to better understand the business and get to know the employees.
When she saw Simon, she called him aside with some news. “Simon, my husband and I have decided to reassign you as a waiter. We feel the way you treated me the other evening was unacceptable for anyone in a leadership role,” she explained.
Simon was handed an apron and a tray and began his new position. Though embarrassed, he accepted the demotion — he didn’t want to lose his job altogether.
A few days later, an elderly woman entered the café. She ordered a simple meal — just a sandwich and tea. After eating, she realized something.
“Oh dear,” she said, rifling through her purse. “I think I left my wallet at home. I’m terribly sorry. I can help clean the kitchen or do something to repay you.”
Simon shook his head gently. “That won’t be necessary, ma’am. I’ll cover your bill this time,” he said kindly.
Grateful, the woman thanked him warmly.
“It’s no trouble. We should all help one another. Just a few days ago, the new owner gave me another chance because she’s compassionate. I want to be like her. I believe in karma,” Simon shared.
“I think you’ll be a manager again,” the woman replied with a smile. Simon was puzzled — how did she know about his demotion?
Just then, Linda approached their table.
“This lovely lady is a friend of mine. I asked her to come as a little test — to see if you had changed. I’m happy to say you passed. Starting today, you’re reinstated as manager,” she said, giving him a supportive pat on the back.
Simon was overjoyed. He’d never experienced such generosity and understanding. He was truly grateful for the second chance Linda had given him.
From that day forward, Simon came to work with a renewed spirit. He treated both customers and staff with warmth and patience. His attitude helped the café flourish even more — and it was all thanks to the kindness and trust of its new owners.