Auwalu Samaila Musa

I was waiting for my food at a restaurant when a woman at the counter started arguing with the cashier because she refused to pay for her meal. Cashier: “Ma’am, you ordered three meals and drinks. You have to pay before you leave.” Woman: “Do you know who I am? I'm not paying for this!” Cashier: “I'm sorry, ma’am, but you still have to pay.” I had been watching them argue for several minutes when I finally spoke. Me: “Ma’am, if you can't afford it, why order so much food?” She turned toward me with an angry expression. Woman: “What did you just say?” Me: “You heard me. The cashier is only asking you to pay for what you ordered.” Woman: “Young man, you should learn to respect your elders!” Me: “Respect goes both ways. He's just doing his job.” She pointed a finger at me. Woman: “You have no idea who you're talking to! Keep your mouth shut!” I shook my head and returned to my seat. But she wasn't finished. She turned toward the cashier and shouted. Woman: “Call your manager! I want this disrespectful boy thrown out of here immediately!” A few minutes later, the manager walked in. He looked at the woman, then turned toward me. Manager: “Young man, why are you talking to her like that?” I was stunned. Me: “Excuse me? She was refusing to pay, and I simply asked her why she ordered so much food.” Manager: “And who gave you the right to interfere in my restaurant?” Me: “Nobody. But I watched her insult your cashier while he was trying to do his job.” The manager's expression hardened. Manager: “I don't care what you saw. You don't get to disrespect customers here.” Me: “So customers can disrespect your staff, but nobody can question them?” He stepped closer. Manager: “I've heard enough. You're leaving.” I looked around, expecting someone to speak up. Nobody did. I picked up my belongings and walked out, furious that I had been punished for speaking up.