Mikhail turned round and saw Xenia at the till, where Betty was unpacking a bag with a pile of cash. Betty had bought the most expensive dress and left Xenia a $5,000 tip. Michael was completely confused and trying to comprehend what he was seeing. He approached them, barely able to pick up the words.
Um… That’s a pretty generous tip, madam,” he muttered nervously, clearing his throat.
Madam? I was a grandmother not so long ago,” Betty replied, ignoring his embarrassment.
Oh, no! It was just a friendly joke. ‘I… If I had known that…’ Michael began, trying to explain himself, but Betty interrupted him.
If you knew what? That I didn’t need to buy from a second-hand shop? You’ve heard what they say about preconceived notions, haven’t you? – Betty said coldly. Mikhail couldn’t hide his embarrassment.
Betty turned to Xenia with a wide smile:
Thank you, Xenia. You’ve been a wonderful assistant. I’ll see you at the wedding, won’t I?
Of course, Betty. It was my pleasure to help. And thank you for the invitation,” Xenia said as Betty left the shop, leaving Mikhail stunned.
“I… I… I… I don’t understand,” Mikhail said, trying to realise what had just happened.
Xenia couldn’t help but laugh at her colleague’s prejudice. She explained to him that Betty was a nurse and was married to a millionaire widower. He had been admitted to the hospital where she worked with a broken leg and in tattered clothes.
Betty had no idea he was rich. They fell in love with each other during his recovery, and when he recovered, Betty found out he was a successful businessman.
Michael was completely shocked and annoyed because of his prejudice. Xenia advised him to take it as a lesson for the future, when he wanted to draw conclusions about people based on their appearance. In the summer, she celebrated the wedding of Betty, her family and friends. It was quite a ball.
What can we learn from this story?
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Michael’s prejudice towards Betty because of her looks led him to his own failure. Things might have turned out differently if he hadn’t judged her so harshly.
Treat people equally, regardless of their appearance. If Michael had treated
Betty like any other customer, he would have received a nice tea and an invitation to the wedding.