ELDERLY MAN ORDERED DINNER FOR TWO, BUT NO ONE CAME — I DECIDED TO SIT BESIDE HIM
The night rain drummed softly against the café windows, turning streetlights into golden smudges. The last hour before closing was always the quietest.
I was behind the counter when the bell jingled. An elderly man stepped inside.
His suit was neat but worn, the kind meant for special occasions long past. He stopped by the window, scanning the room. I grabbed a menu and approached.
“Good evening, sir. Can I get you something?”
He barely glanced at it. “Dinner for two, please. And if you have a vase, I’d appreciate it.”
I followed his gaze to a bouquet of white lilies he gently placed on the table. “Of course.”
I found a tall glass, filled it with water, and arranged the flowers. By then, two steaming plates arrived. But he wasn’t looking at the food—his eyes stayed on the empty seat across from him. His fingers traced the edge of his napkin.
Minutes passed. The food remained untouched. No one came. No one called. Finally, I set a cup of tea in front of him.
“On the house. Would you like anything else?”
For the first time, he looked at me. “It’s my birthday. Would you sit and have tea with me?”
I hurried to the counter, grabbed the last slice of chocolate cake, and found an old birthday candle. I lit it and placed it in front of him.
“A birthday isn’t a birthday without cake. Make a wish.”
He stared at the flame. “I don’t think wishes work the way we want them to.”
“Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.”
He chuckled, then blew out the candle. The little flame flickered and disappeared.
“See? Not so bad.”
He studied the extinguished candle. “My wish… it already didn’t come true.”
Before I could ask, he took a slow sip of tea.
“I suppose I should introduce myself. Tom.”
“Emma.”
He gestured to the empty chair. “Her name was Susan…
