A few minutes later, she excused herself to go to the restroom. As soon as she disappeared, I gently raised my hand and asked the waiter to come back.
I spoke calmly and quietly.
“I’d like to add a few entrées to go,” I said.
He looked surprised. “To go?”
“Yes,” I replied. “Please add them to this table’s bill.”
I ordered three full meals. Nothing extravagant beyond what was already on the menu. The same ribeye. A filet. A salmon dish.
The waiter nodded and walked away without question.
I sat back in my chair and waited.
When the Check Arrived
She returned just as the waiter placed the bill on the table.
The total was significantly higher than before.
She stared at the number, her smile fading into confusion. Her brows pulled together as she tapped the receipt, as if it might explain itself.
“That’s… more than I expected,” she said slowly.
I looked at the bill. Then I looked at her. Then back at the table still cluttered with plates and glasses.
“Yes,” I said evenly. “It adds up.”
She gave a small laugh and shrugged. “I guess prices really have gone up.”
I did not respond.
I paid my half without hesitation. No drama. No speech. No explanation.
I stood, gathered my bag, and thanked her for the evening.
The Final Moment
Continued on the next page
