The waiter left after I ordered. Another server brought my dinner. I didn’t see him until he slid the check toward me, circling the tip twice. I left after paying for my food. He glances at me, picks a napkin from the table, and says, “Guess kindness isn’t in everyone’s budget.”

I paused. Not because I felt horrible, but because his comments were chilly. I left with my head held high, thinking, What nerve.