Unwelcome in a Place to Eat

“She Was Asked to Leave the Restaurant Because She Looked Homeless” She walked into

the restaurant slowly, unsure if she truly belonged there. She hadn’t eaten since the night

before, not by choice, but because money was tight. She lived in Sacramento,

California, and worked long hours cleaning offices downtown. She wore a faded

hoodie and old sneakers that made people judge her instantly. She stood quietly by the counter,

reading the menu and counting the exact change in her hand. She only wanted

the cheapest meal, something warm to calm her empty stomach. She noticed the manager watching

her closely, his eyes full of suspicion. She tried to speak, but he interrupted