An Entitled Woman Took the Lounge Chairs My 8-Year-Old Daughter and I Had Reserved and Threw Our Towels in the Trash – She Turned Pale When Karma Struck Her 20 Minutes Later

"Yeah, baby?"

"Can we take one while I still look like this?"

I felt something in my chest crack open.

Her bald head. Her bracelet. Her too-thin arms.

The body that had fought harder than any child should have to fight.

I brushed my thumb gently over her cheek.

"Exactly like this."

The manager returned our original chairs beneath the umbrella.

Our clean towels were replaced.

Fresh smoothies arrived with whipped cream and tiny paper umbrellas.

Mia held the stuffed turtle against her chest like it was an award.

Then she looked at me.

"Mom?"

"Hmm?"

"See? Sometimes people are nice."

I laughed through tears.

"Yes, honey."

She grinned.

"Even when other people are gross."

I nearly choked on my smoothie.