A pastry shop owner refuses to sell a cake to a young girl who doesn’t have enough money, only to discover that it is for the birthday of her dying mother. Sal Garfield was having a bad day. He’d been up since 3 a.m. baking cakes and pastries, and now his employee who was supposed to run the store for the day had called in sick.
Sal worked as a painter. Nobody could make confections like him, but he lacked social skills. He’d had a string of rude customers that morning, so when Janie Metcalf walked in, he was on the verge of bursting. Jamie was seven years old, with long blond hair and dark brown eyes. She walked up to Sal’s display case and put her small hands up to the glass to look inside at the tasty pastries and cakes.
“Good day, young man!” Sal hissed. Don’t put your hands on the glass! I just got done cleaning it! “Life is about making a positive difference in the lives of others, not just making money.”
Janie stepped back and tucked her hands behind her back. “I’m sorry!” she exclaimed. Everything appears to be in order! According to my mother, you make the best red velvet cake in the world.
Sal felt humbled. “She might be right,” he speculated. “I won an award for that cake.” “I wanted to buy a cake,” Janie explained, holding out her hand. Her hand held a small mound of coins worth only a few dollars. Did you get it somewhere else, kid? Sal was curious. Did you go through your piggy bank? “Yes,” Janie said hesitantly. “I did. I’d like to buy a large red velvet cake.
Is that a red velvet cake? Sal was curious. “I hope you have more than three or four dollars, youngster!” “That cake costs $70!” “Seventy bucks?” Janie was curious. But… I don’t have any more money. Could I just have a slice? “Kid,” Sal hissed. “You can’t even buy a slice of pizza!” Janie was nearly in tears. «Please. “How about that cupcake?” she asked, indicating a deliciously iced cupcake. “How much is it?”
As Sal pointed out, “That’s a six-dollar cupcake, child.” At my establishment, you can’t even afford a cracker! Janie began to cry. “Please, sir,” she pleaded. Sal’s patience ran out when he said, “You don’t get it.” “Get the hell out!” he exclaimed. Try your luck elsewhere! Janie took a step back and dashed out the door. Sal noticed her sobbing on the sidewalk outside the business. A few minutes later, an elderly lady walked by and came to a halt.
Sal overheard her asking the kid, “Sweetie, are you okay?” Janie sobbed, “I wanted to buy my mom a cake.” But the shopkeeper refused to sell me one. “Well!” yelled the woman. “Do you know why you’re crying?” Do you want cake? Janie stated, “It’s not for me.” “It’s for my mother,” who is in the hospital as her birthday approaches. She has her favorite bakery, and she particularly enjoys the red velvet cake. “Oh, no!” said the lady. “What a pitiful woman!” What’s wrong with her?
“She has cancer,” Janie explained. “She’s not coming home,” Dad says. Which is why I’d like to bring her a cake. “I’m so sorry!” exclaimed the woman. Maybe…» Sal, on the other hand, had had enough. “Come back, little child!” he yelled as he dashed to the front door. Janie raised her gaze to his, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Me?” she inquired. “Yes,” Sal replied in his sweetest voice. «Please return.» The elderly lady helped Janie up and back into the pastry shop. “I didn’t take anything,” she stated emphatically.
“I understand,” Sal replied softly. I apologize for not paying attention to you earlier. I overheard what you said to her. Is today your mother’s birthday? “Yes,” Janie confirmed. “In fact, it is. I’m aware that I don’t have enough money… “It’s fine,” Sal admitted, blushing. “I have an extra cake.” If you could take it, that would be fantastic! “You do?” Janie asked softly. “Really?”
“Really?” Sal replied. It’s also one of my favorite red velvet cakes, with cream cheese and white chocolate on top. “Isabelle,” Janie explained. Her given name is Isabelle. Isn’t that lovely? ” “It’s quite nice,” Sal commented. “Thank you for your patience; I’ll be right back.” Sal returned to the kitchen and scribbled “Happy Birthday, Isabelle!” on a beautiful red velvet cake. The cake was then placed in a large white satin box with a couple of dazzling candles.
He returned the large package and handed it to Janie. “Thank you very much!” As she spoke, Janie’s eyes welled up with tears. “She’s going to be overjoyed!” “No,” Sal replied. I really appreciate it. I’d forgotten why I make these incredible, delectable cakes. Its goal is to make exceptional moments even more memorable. I’m hoping you and your mother enjoy my cake! Janie delivered Sal’s cake to her mother that afternoon, and the glittering candles were lit. Because of that magnificent brightness, Janie could almost believe that everything would be fine.