Clara adjusted her apron while walking quickly across the polished floor of the busy diner.
The air smelled of fresh coffee and grilled steaks on a cool Tuesday evening.
She had worked at this family restaurant for almost three long years to pay her bills.
Every shift brought tough physical labor but she never complained about her situation.
Her foster parents had raised her with strong values before they passed away.
She only had a tiny apartment and a few personal items to her name.
A heavy brass clock on the wall chimed softly to mark seven in the evening.
The manager asked her to take table four near the large glass window.
A grand American flag hung quietly on the wall right beside that special table.
An older couple sat there dressed in very expensive tailored clothes and dark coats.
The man looked stern while reviewing the menu with sharp focused eyes.
The older woman had silver hair tied neatly with a delicate silk ribbon.
Clara picked up her tray with two fresh silver plates of hot dinner.
She balanced the heavy tray carefully on her left arm as she walked over.
Clara: Good evening folks and here is your warm grilled dinner tonight.
She placed the warm plates gently on the white tablecloth in front of them.
Julian: Thank you young lady for bringing our food out so quickly.
Clara: It is my total pleasure to serve you both this evening.
The older lady looked up to smile but suddenly froze completely in her place.
Her eyes drifted down toward Clara's left hand on the dark wooden table.
A distinct red birthmark in the shape of a heart marked her pale skin.
The lady let out a sharp gasp that echoed across the small room.
Her silver fork dropped with a soft clatter against the porcelain dish.
Julian: What is wrong mother and why do you look so shocked?
Eleanor: Look at her hand right there near the thumb joint Julian.
Clara pulled her hand back slightly because she felt very confused by this reaction.
She had carried that unique birthmark since the day she was first born.
Many customers noticed it over the years but nobody ever gasped like this before.
The older lady stood up slowly from her seat with tears forming in her eyes.
She reached out her trembling fingers toward Clara without saying a single word.