“Your parents must be really disappointed in you,” the old man remarked, going back to his magazine. “Mind your own business, old man!” Andrew dismissively replied. “I paid for this flight; I deserve good service.” When the attendant returned with pretzels, Andrew, unimpressed, slapped the tray away. “I want something better!” “That’s all we have, sir,” the attendant replied, with tears in her eyes.
Andrew’s loud insults drew the attention of another passenger, a woman who confronted him. “How dare you speak to her like that? Show some respect!” “If she did her job well, I wouldn’t be complaining!” Andrew argued. “She’s just a terrible servant!” Unable to take the insults any longer, the attendant burst into tears. Andrew’s harsh words echoed through the cabin, shocking the passengers with his lack of empathy and respect.
“Somebody ought to teach you a lesson, young man,” the elderly passenger next to Andrew scowled at him. “I’ve been watching you all along, and this is no way to talk to people.” “I agree,” another passenger, a man in an expensive suit, chimed in from behind Andrew. “You’ve been extremely annoying and rude to her. She’s doing her job well, but it seems you don’t know how to be polite and respectful, boy.”
Andrew was quite startled because that voice sounded so familiar. His forehead wrinkled in shock, and his mouth dropped open when he turned around. “DAD?? WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??” he gasped. “ANDREW??” Andrew’s dad, Steven, was equally shocked. A cold shiver ran down his spine when he realized the young bully harassing the flight attendant was his own son. “I had to take this economy flight back to New York due to a last – minute booking delay. I thought I heard your voice, but I was busy checking the company’s annual report. I can’t believe it’s you causing a commotion here!” Steven angrily said to Andrew, who stood frozen, his mouth shut and eyes fixed on his father. “But…dad…” Andrew stammered.
“Shut up and APOLOGIZE TO HER right now!” Steven added. “I’ll teach you some manners as soon as we get home. Now say sorry to her!” Andrew hunched his shoulders and mumbled an apology. “Sorry!” was all he said to the stewardess. He didn’t see what the big fuss was about, and he really disliked it when his father scolded him in front of everyone.
After the flight, Andrew nervously followed his father, Steven, into their luxurious home, dreading the consequences of his behavior. Steven led him to his study and confronted him. “You really made me proud today,” Steven began sarcastically. “Is this why I sent you to boarding school? To become irresponsible and disrespectful? I’m disappointed, Andrew. Your behavior has to change,” Steven said sternly, slamming the study door and turning to face his son.