The first coin rolled beneath a table. The second stopped beside the elderly man’s boot.
Behind the restaurant counter, Victor folded his arms.
“That’s all you’ve got? You can’t even afford to eat here.”
The man glanced at his empty plate, then at the money scattered across the floor.
“I paid for my meal,” he said. “All I asked for was my change.”
Victor pointed downward.
“Get on your knees and pick it up. People like you don’t belong in a place like this.”
A waitress stopped carrying her tray. At the nearest table, a conversation fell silent.
The man gripped the counter but remained standing.
Then a voice came from behind Victor.
“Did you throw this man’s money on the floor?”
The restaurant owner stood in the doorway, still wearing his coat. Victor straightened.
“Sir, I was only explaining—”
“I heard your explanation. Now pick up every single coin.”
Victor looked around, suddenly aware of the customers watching him.
“Every coin,” the owner repeated. “Then hand over your badge.”
He crouched beside the counter. One coin had slipped beneath a chair; he had to move it to reach the money.
The owner counted the change before placing it gently into the customer’s hand.
“I’m sorry. I’d like to refund your meal.”
The man shook his head.
“The food was good. I paid what I owed.”
He closed his fingers around the coins.
“I only wanted the same courtesy.”
Victor removed his badge.
Before leaving, the man turned toward the young waitress.
“Thank you for bringing me a glass of water earlier.”
She nodded, blinking.
After the door closed, the owner placed Victor’s badge beside the register.
“That man remembered one small kindness after everything you did,” he said.
He paused.
“Never mistake an empty pocket for an empty soul.”