I also told customers they were welcome

to return whenever they felt comfortable.

Most said they’d think about it.

Then Walt Henshaw called.

“Frank, I heard what happened,” Walt said.

“I’m terribly sorry.”

“I lost about four hundred dollars, but the bank reimbursed me.”

“I’m relieved to hear that.”

He paused.

“Frank, the money wasn’t why I stopped coming.”

I closed my eyes.

“Then why?”

“Your manager made me feel like I didn’t belong anymore.”

He explained that he’d been repeatedly seated in an isolated corner.

One morning, Kyle approached and asked whether he intended to order anything besides coffee.

Then he’d made a remark about reserving the best seats for customers who spent more money.

“I’ve been eating breakfast there since you opened,” Walt said quietly. “But suddenly I wasn’t good enough.”

My chest tightened.

“Walt, would you come back tomorrow morning? I’ll cook your breakfast myself.”