Dear... That Waiter
To the waiter at Farmhaus Burgers in Augusta, Georgia on September 22, 2018, who told me that I was reading a good book:
You didn't know it, but that day was my birthday. I'm an equinox baby, born on a day when the dark and light were equal. You forgot it within a few minutes, but I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich and those strange fried things that are so popular as a side dish at your place of employment. I ate little of it because it didn't taste very good. And you couldn't have known, but I've always hated it when people, especially strangers, ask what I'm reading. I suppose you thought it was OK because I was with a group of people and by rights shouldn't have been reading anyway, but that's why I gave you such a rude look. (At least, I assume that's what I did. I don't really remember.)
I'm sorry if I was rude to you. You were just trying to be friendly and make conversation as you brought us our food. You couldn't have known all the things going on in my life at the time. It was a weird time. It's OK.
Have you read the book too? Do you love it as much as I did, and still do? That day was my first time reading it. I've read it many times since. What do you think about it? I'd love to know.
How are you? I hope you're ok right now, that you have a job that is paying you and that all your family is safe. Do you still work at that restaurant? I will never go there again, because I found out that your boss was sued by your coworker for discrimination. No more of my money is going to a man who won't let his employees safely wear hijabs to work. (OK, I will admit that I didn't pay for my own meal that day, LOL. My mom did. Still, I'm not going back, especially because the food wasn't great.) What do you think about this? Did you know the girl who sued him? I hope she's doing OK now. Crazy how these things happen.
Maybe one day I'll meet you again. But I probably won't. If I do, we won't recognize each other because I look pretty different now and I only have the vaguest idea of what you looked like. I have no clue what your name was, and you don't know mine. That's OK. You'll probably never see this, and that's OK too. I'll always remember you.
Bye, take care.