As a waiter at a neighborhood café, Marina was accustomed to handling a wide range of patrons, including tired tourists and families with active kids. A unique individual entered on a bright Sunday afternoon. His clothing was old, and his look was untidy, making him stand out from the typical crowd.
Unlike the other waiters who appeared apprehensive, Marina approached him politely and took his order despite his looks. Nevertheless, the manager took exception to her nice deed and threatened to take money out of her salary if the man was unable to pay.
The man surprised Marina by not only paying his bill but also by leaving a $5,000 gratuity! The turn in the plot? The man who appeared to be in need was, in fact, a close friend of the cafe owner, who was performing a covert evaluation of the staff’s devotion to every patron.
The owner was impressed by Marina’s real sympathy, which also revealed the manager’s lack of discernment. The manager was consequently fired, and Marina—who had always been incredibly kind—was elevated to supervise the cafe’s employees, making sure that everyone who enters feels at home.
