Before Margarethe could even stand up properly, a shadow fell directly over her on the floor.
A middle-aged man in a dark green double-breasted suit stepped forward with a harsh glare.
He wore a gold watch and a small USA flag lapel pin on his jacket pocket.
His face was red with pure fury as he looked down at the mess around them.
He did not look at the frightened child who was still catching his breath on the ground.
Instead he pointed a long finger right at Margarethe's face and raised his loud voice.
Angry Man: What kind of spectacle is this in front of all our guests?! He was just choking!
Margarethe stood up slowly and wiped her trembling hands against her dark apron fabric.
She felt her heart pounding violently against her ribs as she looked into his angry eyes.
Waitress: Sir, you don't understand how choking works!
Angry Man: You embarrassed this entire restaurant with your loud drama and broken glass!
Margarethe could barely believe the absolute coldness in the man's harsh, dismissive voice.
The man did not even check on the boy sitting trembling on the soft wooden floor.
He was clearly more worried about his private business dinner and his public status tonight.
Waitress: He was turning blue and he could not clear his airway without help!
Angry Man: Keep your voice down and fetch the general manager right now, girl!
The surrounding diners began whispering softly to each other while watching the heavy confrontation escalate.
Margarethe refused to look away or apologize for saving a defenseless child's fragile life.
She stood her ground firmly despite the man's aggressive tone and tall imposing stature.
The boy pulled himself up by holding onto Margarethe's apron skirt with trembling fingers.
Angry Man: You will be fired for this ridiculous scene before this night ends!
Margarethe felt a tear burn the back of her eye but held her chin up.
She had sacrificed so much to work here and maintain a clean record every day.
Yet this powerful stranger was ready to destroy her job over broken glassware and pride.