Life often teaches us in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes these lessons come from the very people we underestimate. Wendy’s story is a powerful example of how arrogance can lead to a downfall and how humility can open the door to redemption.
Wendy tried to get the older man out of the store when he walked in, knowing she couldn’t afford their shoes, but her manager called her into the back office and gave her the chance she’d been waiting for.
Wendy turned to face the door as the bell began to jingle. She waved her composed greeting as she saw an elderly man shuffle in, his worn cloak revealing his socio-economic status. She forced herself to be polite as she walked up to him, suppressing her disgust.
“Sir, good afternoon. May I please help you?” Wendy’s tone was so pleasant it contradicted her hidden contempt.
The elderly man smiled broadly and asked about the shoes for his granddaughter.
Wendy laughed uncertainly and suggested he look elsewhere for better options.
“But I want these,” the man said, pointing to an expensive pair.
Wendy couldn’t take it anymore. “This is beyond your means, I assure you. It would be best if you left, please.”
The elderly man continued, claiming that he could afford it.
“Enough!” Wendy snapped, her fake exterior completely collapsing. “You need to leave before I contact mall security. Other, more famous people have walked by without entering, and your rusty, old stench is already ruining the store. Do you believe you could fit into one of these shoes?”
The elderly customer closed his mouth, taken aback by the salesman’s disdain. Many other clients were observed. Wendy’s co-worker Erica heard the offensive comments, but before she could say anything, Mr. Anderson, their manager, called them both into his office.
Wendy gave the older guy a stern warning before running off. She pointed and said, “Listen, I’m going to see my boss, and when I get back, I expect you to be gone.”
“You don’t dare touch any shoes as long as no one is here! It won’t be long before you are detained by mall security. Am I understanding that correctly?”
Wendy stood in Mr. Anderson’s office looking around with her head held high. Erica, the epitome of obedience, stood guard. Brown nosing, Wendy thought as she carefully adjusted her clothes. Her superior had a weakness for hourglass shapes. His long-term view proved that her strategies were effective.
Mr. Anderson announced his upcoming promotion with a smile from behind his desk. Erica blurted out congratulations as Wendy covered up her true intentions with her typical sweet words.
When the subject of Mr. Anderson’s departure came up. “This news clearly indicates that one of you will be promoted to store manager. We would like to keep our employees happy and give them opportunities within the company as you know,” he stated.
Wendy’s thoughts raced. Due to her stay, she recognized that the company preferred internal promotion and saw an opportunity for herself.
Wendy felt more confident when the subject of the store manager position came up. She thought her seniority would make a difference.
“Well, ladies. Being here longer won’t get you a position in this case,” Mr. Anderson explained, biting his bottom lip. “Quality, not quantity, is the focus of our brand.
Instead, you’ll have a little competition today.”
“Today?” The manager said that the person who made the most sales for the day would get a promotion when Wendy cried.
Wendy, momentarily concerned, quickly set about planning. Her sly smile betrayed her determination as she was sure she could spot potential high rollers before Erica could.
“Mr. Anderson, of course. It’s a fantastic opportunity,” Wendy said as she left the office, her brain working feverishly to come up with a strategy to make that big sale.
Wendy returned to the store, clearly nervous. Every sale contributed to the campaign even on slow days. Erica mentioned helping an older man who was still there after a small sale.
“That’s not a client. That’s a nuisance,” Wendy snapped, her eyes fixed on the door.
“Wendy, maybe she wants to buy something,” Erica pressed, sounding too positive. “You should go assist him. It wouldn’t be appropriate to give clients the impression that we don’t accept everyone.”
Wendy’s eyes lit up confidently as she saw a well-dressed young man enter.
Glancing at the man looking at the expensive shoes, she smirked and said, “I spotted another customer.”
Erica looked over at the older man while Wendy spoke to the well-dressed customer, Tony. Erica’s empathy was awakened by the older man’s desire to get his granddaughter the perfect pair of shoes during their interaction.
The old man said, “My granddaughter is very particular about shoes, but she doesn’t complain about anything.”
Erica eased into the situation and bonded with the older man as they laughed the whole time.
While Tony took his time going through each pair of shoes and even took pictures — a rare move for most customers — Wendy juggled the sneakers. She kept a smile on her face, but every second that passed made her impatient.
Tony looked at himself in the mirror after deciding on a pair. He said, “Those are my favorites,” with a satisfied sigh.
“They’re a great choice, sir. Wendy said, ‘You have a good sense of quality. I’m really impressed with your taste—you don’t always go for the most expensive pair.’
Intrigued by Tony’s subtlety, Wendy let her mind wander, imagining herself marrying off his family’s money. But how can I get his number?
Tony lay down and began to take off his shoes. Wendy, seeing her chance, bent down to show off her carefully planned cleavage that she had already shown Mr. Anderson.
“Let me help you with that,” she said in a seductive way.
Tony told her admiringly, “You’re good at your job.”
She said teasingly, “I’m even better at other things, Tony.”
Tony jumped up and grabbed the phone, “Okay,” “These three pairs are the winners – black, blue, and dark green.”
“Great choice!” Wendy smiled. “Let me call them.
“What? Can you believe I shop here?” He smirked, scaring Wendy for a second.
“Hi I was thinking…” Wendy’s smile faded as she stammered.
Tony went on to say, “I don’t pay those prices,” referring to capitalism and charging prices for goods based on brand name alone.
Wendy was stunned when his words registered. Her waiting and her work were for naught. As Tony walked out of the store she forced herself to reply, “Have a great time, sir,” he tried not to look disappointed.
Her heart skipped a beat when she finally saw Eric talking to the older man.
“Sir, let me put them back and ring the shoes you chose,” her bubbly voice barked and Wendy froze. An impoverished old man was shopping. Not just one item. Three pairs of shoes!
Wendy had to stop it because it was almost time for us to close. She preferred to follow Erica to the shoe storage area in the back of the store. She shoved her colleague into the closet and closed the door firmly.
“Wendy! Wendy!” Wendy’s pumps were already back in the store when Erica yelled. She said and smiled widely, “Sir, let’s ring your election,” and took the three boxes that the elderly man held next to him.
“Wait. He followed Erica to the register and asked, ‘Where’s Erica?’
Wendy said, “Oh, she had work in the back and asked me to take care of it,” with ease as her fingers quickly typed. The old man handed her his card without blinking, even though the amount was about $1,000.
“Mr. Eaton,” she said, reading the name of the card. Trump. Well, I was really wrong about this one.
“Everything is ready, sir.
Mr. Eaton frowned and asked why Wendy’s name was on the receipt and not Erica’s.
Wendy tried to justify herself, but the elderly man argued that Erica deserved the commission.
The old man continued, “I won’t leave until I thank Erica and say goodbye to her.”
“Sir, Erica had to leave early so I had to come out here. Something about a family emergency, I think. She asked me to help you with the order because of this,” Wendy replied. God, get out!
Someone yelled, “That’s a lie!” Wendy’s heart skipped a beat when she saw Erica standing next to Mr. Anderson.
“Erica, please don’t make a scene in front of our customers,” Wendy tried to say, her expression tightening with growing anxiety.
“Scene?” Erica spoke up. “You locked me in the closet!”
“That’s…” Wendy put on her most insulted look. “Crazy! I would never do that, Eric!”
“Who will believe you?” Wendy turned to look at Mr. Anderson, their supervisor.
“Wendy, you know we have cameras in the warehouse, right?” Her falsehoods were shattered by Mr. Anderson’s firm tone.
“Of course,” Wendy stumbled, losing her balance. “We should investigate them.
Completely.
Mr. Anderson revealed, “I already have,” and Wendy’s whole world collapsed. “I saw you lock her up.
“That’s not true, sir,” muttered Wendy. “I just didn’t believe it was right to have someone in charge who hasn’t been around as long as I have. He has no respect for or understanding of this brand.”
“And you do?” asked Mr. Eaton. Wendy turned to give him a cold look, but something in his expression stopped her.
“Sir, you don’t care. She rather remarked, “You have your things; if you’ll excuse us, it’s closing time.”
Mr. Eaton nodded and turned to Mr. Anderson.
Their manager cleared his throat. “Ladies, allow me to introduce the CEO of our brand,” Mr. Anderson said, pointing to an older man. Their manager clarified that this test was set up by Mr. Eaton to decide who would be promoted.
Wendy’s facade is broken even more when Mr. Eaton talks to and with Erica, as his critical comments regarding her behavior towards him and the other patrons crush Wendy’s dreams.
“More than just trying to remove me from my store, you made fun of me. made fun of me. in front of other clients. Do you believe that makes you an effective employee?” asked Mr. Eaton. “You have lost your task.
After revealing Erica as the new store manager, he thanked her for everything.
“Lord, please,” Wendy begged. Give me another chance. please. My apartment can be taken from me.”
Mr. Eaton shook his head and said, “That’s not our problem.” “Get out before I call mall security. The words pierced her icy heart like a knife.
No!
Mr. Eaton turned to Erica and said, “Let’s go to Mr. Anderson’s office.” “We need to discuss your new salary and this is where you will need help.
Wendy watched them leave. Numbness still ruled her body, so her usual sarcasm did not return.
But she was tired there. She went into the back room, grabbed her purse, grabbed a candy bar for later, and headed out.
Erica began, “Wendy, I’m sorry.”
“Don’t feel sorry for me,” Wendy growled. “I’ll find a much better job soon.
“Wendy, please change your attitude,” commented a former colleague. “It just got you into this mess and I want to offer you a chance to make things right.
Wendy said, “I don’t need your pity, little girl,” but her arrogance was empty. In fact, she needed the job.
Erica continued, “Wendy, you’re letting your pride cloud your judgment here,” and it was uncomfortable how composed she was.
“Oh my god! Please get off your high horse.”
You really piss me off. She shouted, “It’s too much,” and started swinging her purse.
“Get away from me! Get away from me!”
Wendy turned as she entered the nearly deserted mall to see Mr. Eaton and Mr. Anderson shaking their heads. After Erica joined them, they disappeared into the back.
Over the next few years, Wendy was employed by a large department store, which was a job change. She tried to become a fashion influencer but couldn’t make it and ended up in a job that didn’t fulfill her dreams.
One day she ran into Erica. After a short conversation, Wendy learns that her old colleague is married to Mr. Eaton’s grandson and has a child. Wendy’s only thought as they walked away, blissfully in love, was that she should have accepted Erica’s offer of forgiveness because second chances were not common.
Please share this story with your friends and let us know what you think. It could lift them up and make their day.
Wendy’s journey through the highs and lows of her career serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance, shallow judgment, and misplaced priorities. Her downfall, a direct result of her contemptuous attitude and unethical behavior, underscores the importance of treating each individual with respect and empathy. The elderly man, who turned out to be the brand’s CEO, was a stark reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that true value is not always visible on the surface.
Erica’s rise to the position of store manager, along with her subsequent personal and professional achievements, highlighted the virtues of kindness, integrity, and a genuine passion for helping others. Her ability to connect with people, regardless of their socioeconomic status, exemplified the core values that the company sought to promote.
Ultimately, Wendy’s inability to learn from her mistakes and her refusal to accept Erica’s offer of forgiveness left her in a constant state of dissatisfaction. Her later life, marked by a series of unfulfilling jobs and a failed attempt to become a fashion influencer, contrasted sharply with Erica’s prosperous and fulfilling life.
This story is a stark reminder that a person’s actions and attitudes can significantly shape their future. Wendy’s final realization—that second chances are rare and priceless—came too late to change her path. Her story encourages us to seize opportunities for redemption when they arise and to remember that treating others with dignity and respect is not only morally right but can also lead to personal and professional fulfillment.
Sharing this story with friends can serve as an inspiring lesson to encourage them to think about their own attitudes and actions. It reminds us all that success is not only about personal ambition but also about how we treat the people around us.
If this narrative resonated with you, you may find inspiration in another story of a shop worker who misjudges an elderly woman based on her appearance only to discover her true identity in a surprising twist. Rich in moral lessons, these stories remind us that every interaction has the potential to shape our destinies.