Derek fulfilled the agreement. His handwritten apology appeared beside the host stand, openly admitting that he had mocked an eighty-six-year-old customer and that his behavior was cruel and wrong.<\/p>\n
When I visited, the restaurant was noticeably busier. Customers were presenting their coupons, and Derek greeted them respectfully. One woman handed him a coupon that had expired nine days earlier. He examined it carefully before declaring it perfectly acceptable.<\/p>\n
The Wednesday seniors\u2019 lunch began in September. It sold sixty-one meals during its first week and more than a hundred by Halloween. Derek hired Lorraine Becker, a retired school cook who had once worked at Lincoln Elementary while Mother taught there.<\/p>\n
On opening day, the original stool returned to its place at the counter. A small brass plate had been attached to its footrest: RAY & DOT. FIRST STOOL. 1962.<\/p>\n
Mother stood quietly before it. Derek explained that he had repaired its damaged leg.<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d she replied.<\/p>\n
Then she sat down, placed her purse on the counter, and ordered her usual soup and half club.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you have a coupon?\u201d Derek asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do,\u201d Mother answered with a mischievous smile. \u201cIt expired Tuesday.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE STORY CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE… \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47<\/p>\n