“Go ahead.”
Most days, I didn’t think about it too much. It was just a job. But there was one rule—one policy—that never sat right with me, no matter how many times I saw it happen. If a student’s account was overdue beyond a certain amount, we weren’t allowed to give them a hot meal. Not even if it was already on the tray. Not even if it was just a few dollars.
That day, it was $4.15.
He stepped up to the counter like any other kid, small for his age, holding his tray carefully like it mattered more than it should. Chicken, vegetables, a carton of milk—nothing special, just a standard lunch. I scanned his account out of habit, expecting the usual green light.
Instead, the screen flashed red.
Overdue.
$4.15.
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