In a diner frequented by truck drivers, an old man was enjoying his meal when three rowdy bikers swaggered in. It seemed trouble was about to brew.
As they sauntered past, the first biker, lacking manners and respect, callously stubbed his cigarette right into the old man’s delicious pie. Laughter erupted from the biker as he took a seat at the counter, taunting the other patrons.
Not to be outdone, the second biker grabbed the old man’s milk and expectorated into it, demonstrating another display of brutish behavior. Disgusted, the third biker heartlessly flipped the old man’s plate, joining his comrades in their boorish display.
But instead of reacting with anger or retaliation, the old man remained composed, wordlessly leaving his money on the table and departing from the diner. The bikers were quick to mock the old man’s perceived weakness, jeering to the waitress, “Not much of a man, was he?”
In response, the wise waitress just smiled, her secret knowledge bubbling beneath the surface. With a knowing look, she calmly uttered, “Not much of a truck driver either. He just backed his big rig over three motorcycles!”
Sometimes, it takes more strength to hold back than to lash out. This crafty old man knew that revenge was best served cold, and he certainly served up a dish the bikers won’t soon forget. It’s a reminder for all of us to stand up for ourselves, not with anger, but with intelligence and wit.
