Karen’s children, meanwhile, were in full chaos mode, darting between tables, bumping chairs, and shrieking. Karen didn’t even glance at them, too busy complaining into her phone. Her obliviousness was like fuel to Stephanie’s simmering anger, but she forced herself to focus, trying not to react.
As Stephanie served drinks to a nearby table, she heard the children’s footsteps thunder toward her. Before she could react, one child barreled into her tray, sending drinks crashing to the floor, splashing everywhere. Stephanie stood there, soaked, the entire diner staring in stunned silence.