“For 15 years, she served coffee and eggs and dealt with grumpy customers, all to keep food on our table.”
I leaned forward, surprised by the revelation. I had assumed Veronica came from a rich family. “After my father left, it was just Mom, my brother Michael, and me,” Veronica continued.
“She worked double shifts here, saved every penny, helped us through college. She was… incredible.”
“Was?” I asked softly.
“She passed away when I was 25,” Veronica said. “Cancer. It happened so fast.” She paused, taking a deep breath.
“Every year, on the anniversary of her death, I work here for a month. I take the same shifts she used to take. I also wear the uniform, like she did every day.”
“But why?” I asked.
“Because I never want to forget where I came from,” she replied. “I am who I am because of her. All my success is because of my mother.
She only got to see a small glimpse of it at my graduation. She never got to see me climb the corporate ladder and become financially independent.”
I cringed inwardly, realizing how badly I had misjudged Veronica, considering she came from just as humble a background as me. “Working here…
it helps me remember her, feel close to her again,” she continued. I nodded. “That’s beautiful.
I never imagined…” I trailed off as a thought entered my mind. “Wait. The other day, you yelled at Tom.
You know, the delivery driver. Why?”
“Oh, I remember you were watering your garden,” she nodded. “My mother taught me about respect and responsibility, especially when you’re working.
Unfortunately, Tom was over two hours late with my order and reeking of smoke. I scolded him for having a bad work ethic. Maybe I was too harsh, but my mother’s standards are ingrained in me.”
“Wow,” I muttered.
“I have to say that I didn’t expect this at all. I really misjudged you.”
“I see. You thought I was probably an entitled rich lady yelling at a poor boy while looking down my nose at everyone around me?” she chuckled.
“Honestly, yes,” I admitted, shaking my head but grinning. “You’re not the only person to judge me,” Veronica assured me, a gentle smile gracing her lips. “It’s easier to see the surface.
The cars, the clothes… are a part of me.” She gestured to her uniform. “But this is me too, and it’s just as important. And unless this café closes, I’ll keep doing it as long as I can.”
“Okay, then, I guess I’ll be coming here more often this month…
if that’s alright?”
“Of course,” Veronica replied, standing and taking out her order pad. “What would you be having for breakfast today, ma’am?”
I grinned at her. “Your mom would be proud.”
“I know,” she nodded and took my order.
Later, I told Lily she was right about seeing Veronica at the café. She was thrilled, and so we started going there every once in a while. After her mother’s death anniversary passed, Veronica and I actually became friends.
Even when she was dressed in her power suits, she’d always greet me with a warm smile. I’m not sure her Yorkies are too fond of Buster, they’re a bit snooty, but hey, at least now I have a friend to walk my dog with.
