Member-only story
A Test for Compassion
Innovation
Ingrid and Ian having lunch at their favorite restaurant. He was surprised when she ordered Ice tea while he ordered a glass of white wine.
“I missed you at the beach yesterday,” he said, wanting to know where she went but didn’t want to be intruding.
“Oh, I went to see Vincent, you know he lost everything.”
“I know, he has been calling all of us, but he has nothing we want,” Ian said without regard.
She stared at him in shock and said, “That’s why you and the others don’t return his calls because he has nothing you want?”
“He is a loser, he has no job or money.”
“Six months ago you were at his house party. He helped you to get the job you have now,” she reminded him, fighting to keep her anger down.
“Yea, then he had something I want. Now he doesn’t. That’s life honey,” he said without a conscience.
“But, he helped all of us when he had money,” she continued.
“I know that, but he has none now.”
Silence shocked her, and she held on, as the waiter poured her ice tea from a pitcher with ice cubes.
“Thank you, please leave the pitcher,” she said, as he nodded and walked away.
