In the heart of Italy, nestled in a picturesque town, sat my grandparents’ quaint restaurant. Every summer, I would leave America to lend a hand in this family-owned business. Little did I know that one summer would bring a memorable encounter with entitled tourists.

It was around 4 p.m. when they strolled in—an Entitled Mother, Father, and their Spoiled Kid. They demanded to be seated, despite the kitchen being closed until 7:30 p.m.

“Sorry, ma’am,” I explained, “the kitchen is closed until later this evening.”

The Entitled Mother scowled, pointing accusatively at my grandpa who was enjoying a meal. “If the kitchen is closed, why is he eating?”

“He’s the owner,” I replied calmly.

Their demands continued, insisting on a table and access to the restaurant’s Wi-Fi. But my apologies and explanations fell on deaf ears.

My grandpa, sensing the tension, approached them with his trademark warmth. Yet, his attempt at peace was met with insults.

“Don’t you dare tell me how to raise my child, you dinosaur!” the Entitled Mother snapped.

“Don’t get close to my child, you old creep!” added the father.

The locals watched in disbelief as the atmosphere grew heated. But then, karma intervened in the most unexpected way.

My grandpa, undeterred by their rudeness, reached for the bill pad and pen. With a serene smile, he handed them the check—20 times the price of the most expensive item on the menu.

Their eyes widened in shock as they realized the exorbitant amount. “What is this?!” they exclaimed.

With a twinkle in his eye, my grandpa simply replied, “That’s the cost of rudeness and entitlement.”

The Entitled Parents sputtered in protest, but my grandpa stood his ground. With murmurs of approval from the locals, they begrudgingly paid the bill and swiftly left.

As they exited the restaurant, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. My grandpa had taught them a valuable lesson in humility and respect.

From that day on, the locals affectionately referred to my grandpa as the “Guardian of Civility.” And as for the Entitled Parents, they became cautionary tales shared among tourists—a reminder that kindness and respect cost nothing, but rudeness comes with a hefty price tag.