Louise’s Café Order

Louise and Emma stop at a café after a walk. Louise chooses a cheese sandwich and asks for it without tomato. She likes knowing what will be in her lunch. Emma orders soup, and they find a table by the window while the food is prepared.

When the sandwich arrives, Louise sees tomato inside it. She looks at the plate without eating. The café is getting busier, and she worries about holding up the server. Emma asks whether she wants help. Louise says she would like a moment to decide what to say.

Louise checks what she asked for. Then she tells Steve, “I ordered this without tomato. Could you check it, please?” She points to the plate. Steve listens and takes the sandwich back to the counter. Louise does not have to eat the sandwich just to avoid causing a fuss.

Steve confirms that the order was mixed up. He offers to make a new sandwich and explains that it will take a few minutes. Louise asks Emma to stay at the table while they wait. She can ask how long it may be if the wait becomes difficult.

The new sandwich arrives without tomato. Louise checks it before beginning her lunch. Emma has finished her soup, but stays to talk with her. They talk about the walk while Louise eats. The mistake changed their timing, but it did not have to end their visit.

Louise feels more at ease. Speaking up felt uncomfortable, but she had every right to ask for what she had ordered. Next time, she might speak, point to a written note or ask someone to help. There is more than one way to make a clear request.