customer

From childhood, doors to any profession were open to you. You were a talented student; all school subjects came easily to you. Teachers admired you and your abilities. You were often sent to academic competitions, and you were always a winner.

You graduated from high school with honors, which meant all doors were open: you could go to any university in the country, or you could go abroad to study. The choice was too great, and you hadn't yet chosen a profession. Your parents urged you to go to medical school, but you, on the contrary, chose teacher training. "What's the difference between teaching children and treating them?" you explained to your bewildered parents. They warned you that the salaries would be low and that it would be better to study medicine. You flatly refused and went on to become a teacher.

You got into a state-funded place, but it wasn't as easy as you'd expected: 75% of the places were filled by those on special benefits, even though their average score was half the minimum. Your heart sank at the injustice—so many people try hard and often don't get into state-funded places. Studying is studying, but you still need money. You got a job at a cafe. Tips were customary there only if you wanted to buy a service from the waiter. There weren't many customers today. A young man ordered a pizza, you brought it to him, and he handed you money—much more than he owed. You looked at him, wondering what you should do for him.