The well-dressed clerk refused to listen to Kate, and interrupted her in a proud and indifferent tone, “you brought this at a special sale. It is final. Once you buy it, you have to keep it. Sew up the lining yourself.”

“But this was damaged merchandise,” Kate complained.

“Makes no difference,” the clerk rolled her eyes. “Final’s final.”

Kate cursed inside, and she wished Mike could be there to help with the situation…

Yesterday, Kate was accompanying her friend Amy to shop for some Fall dresses. They went to Amy’s favorite high-end store. The store manager, Mike, greeted them. Kate was introduced to Mike. She didn’t talk to him and Mike heard Kate’s name only once. Kate was a little shy seeing him, feeling charmed by his bright blue eyes, warm smile, and enormous charm of a mature man. Amy and Mike chatted warmly, and Mike helped her find several outfits to her satisfaction. Before leaving the place, Mike turned to Kate and called her by her name, “Kate, there is one special dress that I think might suit you perfectly. Would you mind taking a look?”

It’s a pink dress with some light but elegant fabric draping alongside a V-neck, and laying across a banded waist. It was good for both formal and casual occasions. Kate fell in love with that dress instantaneously and she couldn’t wait to try it on.

“You look so stunning!” Mike’s deep voice echoed behind her as Kate looked at herself through a mirror. And there was nothing perfunctory about his words. He meant what he said, she could feel that.

“It’s on a special sale, and I can give you a manager’s discount on top of that. That would make it a very good deal. I am sure you cannot buy such a dress with that price anywhere else.”

What could Kate say? Even though it still cost a fortune, Kate made a happy purchase until she found that the lining was broken…

Kate was about to storm out indignantly, swearing never to return to that store, despite how elegant or beautiful it looked, when she was greeted by the store manager again.

“What happened?” Mike’s tone was caring and warm.

Kate told him what happened and complained about the clerk’s attitude. During her narrative, Mike had listened patiently and intently. He then examined the dress and said, “special sales are final. But this ‘no-return’ policy doesn’t apply to damaged goods. We will certainly repair or replace the lining. Or if you prefer, give your money back. I want to thank you for telling me about this, Kate. You have done me a great favor, for if our clerk has annoyed you, she may annoy other good customers, and that would be just too bad. As a tiny token of appreciation, would you mind if I buy you a steak dinner?”

Thanks for reading!

ALL CHARACTERS ARE OVER THE AGE OF 18.

--Mike