To The Ladies At Applebees:
It’s 7 years later…and I remember you.
We were both dining on the patio – you and your husband at your table, and my boyfriend and I at another.
And, sometime over the course of dinner, we began talking.
By the time we were done eating, you and your husband had come over to our table to join us.
The three of you were drunk while I was drinking water.
And, I’ll admit that – at the time – I wished you’d go away.
I didn’t want to be there at all, much less spending hours there with my boyfriend drinking my paycheck away and his two new drunk friends.
And, the last thing I wanted to do was move to yet another table with you, so we could speak privately.
I just wanted to go home.
But somehow, despite the alcohol blazing it’s way through your system…you knew that.
Somehow, despite my feigned kindness, you knew I was miserable and scared and didn’t want to be there.
I don’t remember exactly what you said 7 years ago, but I remember that it tried to give me hope. It tried to remind me not to give up. It tried to give me the strength I needed to escape from the abusive man your husband was having drinks with.
And, how you knew that…I’ll never know. But, I remember you.
I wish I could say I left him that night. Or the week after.
Hell, I wish I could say I left him of my own volition. But no…it took a jail sentence and an Angel to get me out of the situation you found me in.
But, what is important is that things are better. And I will never, ever forget the lady at Applebees who took the time during a night out to try to save a stranger.
Thanks for being you.
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