Based on 61 community votes, the most popular answer to “Table 6 Was Already Set for Him” is “Return kindness directly to my mom” — chosen by 44% of voters.
Category: heartwarming • Theme: 🫂 Showing Up
I counted the sugar packets on the table because no one was talking. It was Table 6, by the window. The one my parents asked for every anniversary, twenty-two years in a row. The waiter used to bring their order without writing anything down. I remember him saying once that the steak knife at this table never stayed sharp for long. The night before my dad died, Mom drove us there. I think it was still February because everyone kept their coats on. She said the doctor had called, that it was close. But she still parked in front of the restaurant first. Inside, the hostess said, "You’re just in time, we almost gave it away." Table 6 was already set. Two menus. Two water glasses. Mom touched the back of the chair he always took and then asked for the food to go. She didn’t sit down. We made it to the hospital with maybe two minutes left. The nurse had a Green Bay Packers mug on the counter with a chipped handle. Dad didn’t say anything. Mom just held the styrofoam cup of his favorite soup under his nose so he could smell it. Now I can drive a car. I pass the restaurant. I don’t go in. Mom still sets a coffee mug on the counter for him every morning. I still count out two sugar packets beside it. What would YOU do?
Join the debate and cast your vote at Life Theater.