Monday, February 13, 2006

Showdown at the T.H. Corral

After a sleepless night, we decided to pack up and check out early. Even though children eat free at the hotel restaurant, we opted for a Tim Horton's on the way out of the city which would be faster and cheaper.

The place was busy and full; all the tables were occupied, some by solitary, blankly-staring patrons, captured in early morning stupor. Our little family of four got our order and stood in the middle of the room, assessing the odds of actually getting to sit down to eat.

Even though the tables-of-one were obviously concluding their business (empty cups, strewn napkins and debris) no one thought to leave or offer their place for a harried couple of parents, hungry toddler and sleep-deprived infant. Granted, it was "early" Monday morning (9:30!?), but we'd been awake for 6 hours by that time. Under such conditions, I'm not so inclined to be charitable and giving the benefit of the doubt.

A few minutes passed before we packed up our tray of food and drink as best we could and left. Eating breakfast in the car, I saw one of the solitary diners walk past us. Perhaps the morning reflection prevented her from seeing my glowering gaze. Or she ignored me, just like in Tim's. Thanks for nothing.

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