sun-drenched table and had just placed her bag down when her phone buzzed: “Running late! Don’t give up our spot!” Megan’s text made her smile. That’s when she felt the shove. Startled, Claire stumbled forward and banged her elbow on the table’s edge. Behind her stood a sharply dressed woman,

two kids in tow, who clearly had no intention of waiting her turn.“We need this table,” the woman said with a voice that sounded more like a command than a request.Claire, taken aback but maintaining her composure, responded politely. “I’m waiting for someone—my friend will be here shortly.”