I thought it would be a normal day at work until a stranger mocked me for something beyond my control. When I discovered her identity, I didn’t hold back, and my father stood firmly by my side.
Working part-time at a restaurant while juggling my Anthropology studies, I was having a busy evening. I approached a middle-aged woman in a red dress, feeling a twinge of nerves as her critical gaze scanned me. “Good evening! I’m Alice. May I take your order, please?” I greeted her warmly.
She immediately cut me off. “I can’t HEAR you! Do you speak normal English? I’ll fire you when I own this little shack.”
Stunned and on the verge of tears, I was about to defend myself when my dad’s voice rang out. “Oh, you’ve met my daughter, Alice!”
The woman’s bravado vanished, and she stammered. “H-h-honey, what do you mean?!”
My dad smiled. “You still don’t get it? This is my daughter!” He pulled me in for a one-armed hug.
Her face turned crimson as she realized the gravity of her mistake. “Oh, I was just j-j-joking!” she faltered.
I raised an eyebrow. “So you can st-stutter and others can’t?”
My dad, shocked, pressed her. “You talk like that to service people? Even if you’re having a bad day, it’s unacceptable.”
“Please, give me another chance,” she begged, desperation clear in her voice.
I felt a pang of sympathy but stood firm. “Goodbye, and enjoy your last meal here. You won’t be welcome back.”
Her face twisted in humiliation as she stormed out. My dad turned to me, sadness in his eyes. “I had no idea she was like that.”
“It’s okay, Dad. I’m just glad you know now,” I replied, relief washing over me.
As we shared a cup of coffee later, I asked why he hadn’t told her about me. He admitted he hadn’t found the right moment and didn’t expect her to react that way.
“It’s not the first time someone has mocked my stutter, but it hurt more coming from someone you cared about,” I said.
He took my hand. “I’m so proud of you, my angel. You’re strong and resilient.”
Our bond felt stronger than ever, and I was grateful he saw her true colors. As the night progressed, we talked and laughed, with restaurant staff giving supportive nods.
Days later, my dad approached me. “I’ve been too focused on finding someone new and not enough on you,” he admitted.
“Dad, it’s okay. I want you to be happy,” I reassured him.
“No, it’s not okay. I need to be there for YOU more,” he insisted, making me feel valued.
The incident with Donna taught us both a lesson: respect and kindness are essential, especially in family. I felt empowered knowing I had stood up for myself, and I cherished my dad’s unwavering support.
