After years of being bullied in high school, Lily finally gets to confront her bully, Karen. Karen walks into Lily’s restaurant and reverts to her petty high school self. When she realizes Lily has overcome her lisp and stutter and owns a successful business, Karen flees.
Under the restaurant’s evening lights, the place buzzed with activity. Amidst it all, I spotted Karen. She hadn’t changed; the same haughty expression from high school remained.
Seeing her, memories of cruel taunts about my lisp and stutter flooded back. “There’s Lisp-Lily,” Karen used to shout, making everyone laugh.
But now, years later, I approached her table confidently. “May I take your order?” I asked, my voice steady.
Karen’s disdain was evident. “Lily? You work here?”
“Evidently, yes,” I replied, holding my notebook firmly.
Karen demanded to speak to the manager. I smiled, revealing, “I am the owner.”
Her face paled as reality set in. Without another word, Karen fled, unable to handle my success.
