After 38 Years at the Diner, the New Owner Sent Me to the Dish Pit for Being “Too Old,” Then the Regulars Walked In

smiled.

“Madison is taking over your tables. I need you working in the dishwashing area.”

I stared at him.

“The dishes?”

“Same hourly pay,” he said brightly. “And you won’t have to spend the whole day walking around. Think of it as a favor.A favor.

I had arthritis in my fingers and knees that complained every time I climbed stairs.

The dishwashing room was hot, damp, and windowless.

The floor was almost always wet.

And the industrial sprayer was difficult to handle even on my good days.

Chad knew