What was supposed to be a celebration of our 50th anniversary turned into a life-or-death situation at a dinner. My late husband’s heartfelt message and an unexpected act of heroism were the result of the courageous waitress’s urgent command to kneel.
Clara is my name, and I am a grandmother who is 78 years old. Brian, my late husband, and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary today.
I still do it in his memory because we had a custom of celebrating at a nice restaurant.
The restaurant was full to capacity.
As I made my way to the table, I started to feel a little overwhelmed. I had a hard time finding my way through the crowd, the noise, and the crowded waitstaff.
Due to the effort and emotions that this day always brings, my heart pounded. I was greeted by the familiar aroma of delectable food as I entered the establishment.
The conversation hum and the soft clinking of cutlery filled the air.
Just as Brian and I had always liked it, the lighting was warm and dim.
I finally reached my preferred window-side table. I sat down and exhaled deeply.
Without Brian seated across from me, the chair felt cold and foreign. He was almost there, his eyes crinkling at the corners, smiling at me.
I wished myself a happy anniversary by whispering, “Love.
” I noticed couples and families enjoying their meals as I glanced around.
It brought to mind all of the birthdays Brian and I had celebrated here. We would sit across from each other at the table and hold hands as we laughed and made new memories.
The best days of my life were those. My anticipation for the meal began to grow.
Despite the fact that I already knew what I wanted, I picked up the menu and scanned it.
We always chose the day’s special treat.
“Why change a good thing? ” Brian would make fun of it.
A young woman with a kind smile came over to serve. Ma’am, welcome.
I’m ready to place an order.
I smiled at her back, “Yes, I’ll have the special, please.
” She gave me a nod, then left to take my order. My heart broke when she brought my food back.
I couldn’t quite make out what was smeared on the plate, which was filthy. I asked politely, “Excuse me, could you please replace this plate?
” It lacks cleanliness.
” Of course, ma’am,” she replied, her tone a little agitated.
I’ll be back quickly. She hurriedly returned to the kitchen after taking the plate.
The small disappointment dampened my excitement as I waited there. The waitress came back a few minutes later with a clean plate.
However, rather than placing it in front of me, she leaned in close and demanded that I immediately kneel down: “You need to get on your knees immediately, ma’am!
” In shock, I blinked.
Why? ” With my voice shaking, I asked.
She said in a trembling voice, “Please, just do it now. ” She turned her attention to the doorway.
With my mind racing, I hesitated.
What was she expecting me to do?
However, there was a desperate note in her voice that compelled me to comply. I slid slowly out of my chair and knelt down by my table.
I felt humiliated and confused as I knelt there. My eyes watered with tears.
In search of an explanation, I glanced up at the waitress.
She quickly knelt next to me and said, “I’m so sorry, ma’am,” whispering.
A man is carrying a gun. Stay down and follow my instructions.
My chest pounded as my heart raced. I saw him, a man who was suspiciously looking around the restaurant with his hand tucked inside his jeans, as I glanced toward the entrance.
I couldn’t breathe because of the grip of fear.
We need to remain calm,” the waitress said in a low, steady voice.
He said he would shoot anyone who moved. I had to get you down without making him aware.
With tears streaming down my face, I nodded. I felt a mix of fear and gratitude for this brave young woman as the reality of the situation hit me like a wave.
A loud crash came from the kitchen at that very moment.
Shouts broke out as pans and pots fell to the ground.
With his eyes narrowing, the man near the entrance turned his attention to the noise. The waitress said in a whisper, “This is our chance.
” She held onto my hand with a firm but reassuring grip. “Stay low,” she told us.
As quickly and quietly as possible, we began to crawl.
I focused on the waitress and had complete faith in her, despite the cold and hard floor beneath my knees.
I was sure that everyone could hear my heart pounding so loudly. We came to a small door that said “Storage.
” We entered after the waitress opened it. Hands shaking, she locked the door behind us.
She said, leaning against the door to catch her breath, “We should be safe in here.
” Just remain silent.
“My breathing was labored from fear and exertion as I nodded. The limited space was crammed with supplies on shelves.
With a determined look on her face, the waitress sat down next to me. I mumbled, “Thank you,” wiping away my tears.
I received a small smile from the waitress.
Emily is my title.
I’m sorry I had to scare you that way, but there was no other way I could keep you safe. I replied, my voice shaking, “You did the right thing.
” I was saved by you. Emily’s eyes sparkled as she looked down.
My sibling is a cop.
He taught me what to do in these kinds of situations.
And you make me think of my grandmother. I couldn’t let you go through anything.
Her words touched me deeply. Emily, thank you.
You had a lot of courage.
A small, exquisitely carved wooden box was pulled out by Emily from the pocket of her apron.
She stated, “I almost forgot. ” This was left with the manager by your husband for you.
I should have given it to you today. As I removed the box from
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