There Is Such Thing as A Free Lunch

Three years ago, I was exploring Charleston, WV. I stopped in a few downtown shops, and heard shop employees telling customers at checkout counters that credit card machines were down. Sounded like it was a widespread issue. I walked to an Indian restaurant, Sitar of India, unsure if they’d be open due to the circumstances. Not only were they serving, but they persuaded customers in, assuring us not to worry about payment. “You can pay next time.” Restaurant employees did not seem concerned about being compensated. Rather, they seemed to make it their mission to take care of every person who ventured into their vicinity and treat them to the best cuisine and best service possible, especially since there was a citywide complication. They were going to be hope in the bottom of Pandora’s box. [I had some cash with me, and I wanted to make sure I paid them, since I didn’t know if I’d ever be back in the area. They rounded the price of the meal down, cutting off the change and tax.] The place seemed to buzz with a party atmosphere, and I’m sure the attitude of service with which the restaurant employees handled the situation sparked the celebratory mood. What a wonderful example of how to treat our fellow humans. I felt honored to witness it.