Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Don’t Believe Everything You Think A woman walked up to me in the middle of a busy Saturday lunch service and asked, “How long has Vanessa worked here?” I was confused. We do have a Vanessa, but she only works special events and retreats. She was not scheduled that day. The woman looked certain. “I just saw her,” she said. “She came in, saw me, got awkward, walked around the restaurant, and then left. She is my cousin. I haven’t seen her in four years. I was really hoping to talk to her.” There was no hesitation in her voice. No curiosity. This was not a question. It was a conclusion. I told her gently that Vanessa was not there that day and that the person she saw was my sister-in-law, Sarah. She shook her head. “No,” she said. “I’m sure it was her.” I knew exactly who she had seen. My sister-in-law lives next door to the restaurant. Her children were at home. Her baby was sleeping. Seeing that we were busy, she ran down briefly. She dropped something off, ran a few plates, wipe...