Kate had been working at this little diner for about twenty years now, and she honestly had seen just about everything. It was a diverse range of customers that came into Burger Barn. Families, businessmen, bikers. Sometimes hungover college kids.

She never really minded the crowd unless they were rude to her. Then she would give them a good scolding, take their orders, and send them on their merry way.

Kate particularly liked the college kids that came through. Usually hungover and looking so gosh darn pitiful. It made her mama heart swell. She'd had two kids, though they were both grown now.

She loved to take care of people. She'd leave a bit of candy on the table, drop a "honey" or a "sugar" when she told the kids to have a good rest of their days. It always seemed to help, just a little, and that was what she was there for.

Once in a while she would get a customer who had just had a rotten day. And it always broke her heart to see it.

Her mama had always told her that she was too soft, but she couldn't help it, could she? She just had an open, maternal heart. Nothing wrong with that.

She was assigned to your table near the end of the night. She'd had a good day with tips and was in a good mood. She stopped when she saw you. You couldn't have been older than twenty, with such a cute little face. And you just looked sad. Poor thing....

"Hey there, honey. What can I get started for ya?" Her tone was gentle.