The Gift Card

We were all tired. It was one of those moments during the last two years that you could look around and see how weary everyone was even when veiled behind a face mask. I was waiting to pick up dinner at our one of favorite restaurants that had just started allowing for eat in guests as well take out patrons to their establishment. This small family- owned local eatery is known for serving good food, especially seafood, at low prices and always has a line. Sometimes, I have questioned whether it was worth the wait then I would have a bite of the haddock sandwich or the red bliss mashed potatoes and plan to eat there always.

I had called in our meals and was waiting while guests were lined up and the phone rang with new orders. A masked elderly couple stepped out of the dining room and tried to make their way to the cashier. They were both dressed up for a special occasion. He was in a suit and bow tie. She wore makeup and her hair was styled as though she had just walked out of the salon. They stood out in a room full of people who wore sweats and jeans. Most including myself feeling that there wasn’t a point to the extra effort to pick up takeout especially during a pandemic.

The man seemed to be disoriented, and his wife gently guided him through the crowd of people.

“Just wait here. While I pay the bill.” she said to him as she moved to get to the front and left him smiling.

“It’s my birthday!” He turned to a few people standing there.

His wife was now at the counter and thanking the hostess as she pulled out a gift card.

“I was so glad we were able to come out for my husband’s birthday. My daughter gave us this gift card last year and we have not been able to use it.” She smiled as she handed the small bright colored plastic to the young cashier. The cashier nodded and tried to run it through the register which came back “in error”. She nervously looked at the hostess who went to get the owner. The owner was waiting on tables herself and interacting with guests to make sure everyone had what they needed. This place like everywhere else had suffered during the pandemic. The first year brought the loss of customers and then the second year, the loss of staff. There was a large neon help wanted sign outside that flashed red and yellow letters in their plea to bring in a work force offering great benefits and a flexible schedule.

The owner looked exhausted as she made her way through the line of patrons to the register. When handed the gift card she paused before speaking. The elderly woman who had just handed the over the card looked up. “Is there something wrong? It was for my husband’s birthday today.” She again smiled as her mask had fallen below her chin.

“I’m eighty-two!” her husband yelled from the back of the crowd.

The owner held up the card and sighed, but quickly regained her composure. She whispered to her cashier that she “would assist.”

The card which I and several others standing around could see while it was in the owner’s hand was clearly for one of the big chain restaurants. The owner did not hesitate and smiled at the woman in front of her,

“You know these machines have a mind of their own. You are all set. We will fix it later! Happy Birthday!”

“Are you sure was there enough on it? I didn’t leave a tip.”

“Yes, the card covered everything.” The owner answered.

I could then see many eyes light up around the room and smiles that formed behind masks as the couple left. We all started to clap and to wish this man a very happy birthday. A little bit of joy in a world so chaotic and difficult. Extra tips were put in the jar up front. I have never questioned where to get our fish sandwiches again.