Mark sat across from Chloe in the bright oak dining room on a warm Tuesday afternoon.
The sunlight poured through the clear front windows of the busy American diner.
Every table was filled with local customers enjoying their regular mid-day lunches.
Mark smiled softly as he reached across the clean table to hold Chloe's warm hand.
They had been dating for six months after meeting at an afternoon business conference.
Chloe laughed brightly as she looked at the printed paper lunch menu on her lap.
A waitress stepped up to their wooden table wearing a long black work apron.
Mark froze instantly when he looked up to see the young woman's tired face.
The server was Sarah, his former girlfriend from five long years ago in college.
Sarah held her order notepad tightly against her chest with visible hesitation.
Sarah: I did not expect to see you sitting in my dining section today, Mark.
Mark pulled his hands back quickly toward his chest with an uncomfortable look.
Mark: We are just here to order a quick meal before heading back to work.
Chloe looked between the two of them with deep curiosity in her calm eyes.
Chloe: Mark, is this the ex-girlfriend you mentioned from your hometown?
Mark: Yes, this is Sarah. She works here now, apparently taking orders.
Sarah took their lunch order quickly and walked back toward the kitchen doors.
The heavy doors swung closed behind her as she entered the back food area.
A small girl with curly brown hair stood near the metal kitchen counter waiting.
The little girl watched as Sarah opened a small dark bottle over the plate.
Little Girl: Mom, why are you pouring that liquid on those customers' meal?
Sarah gasped in deep shock and tried to hide the bottle behind her back.
Sarah: Go sit near the back office right now, Lily, do not watch me!
Lily felt severe panic rising inside her young chest as she stepped backward.
She turned around quickly and ran straight through the double kitchen doors.
The little girl rushed into the main dining area with tears in her eyes.
Little Girl: Sir, please do not eat that food! My mom put something in it!
Mark stood up from his chair so fast that his heavy wooden seat tipped over.
The loud crash made every customer in the restaurant stop talking immediately.
Mark: Get away from my table right now, you troublesome little girl!
Mark grabbed the girl's small shoulder roughly and pointed toward the main door.
Chloe: Mark, stop it! You are scaring this young child for no reason!
Mark ignored Chloe's plea and marched the weeping girl toward the glass exit.
He opened the front door forcefully and pointed out onto the bright sidewalk.
Mark: Go stand outside and do not interrupt paying customers again!
The heavy glass door shut loudly as the frightened young child stepped back.
Mark wiped a drop of sweat off his forehead as he turned back around.
He walked quickly back to his table where Chloe sat in absolute shock.
Tears began streaming down Mark's face as he pointed a shaking finger toward Sarah.
Mark: My ex-girlfriend sent that child over here to ruin our entire relationship!
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