Seventeen-year-old Andrew had always lived a privileged life, used to getting whatever he wanted without consequence. This sense of entitlement made him indifferent to how he treated others, including those in service roles. But when his father witnessed his disrespectful behavior on a flight, he decided it was time for a reality check.

“Move faster!” Andrew muttered impatiently as he pushed past an elderly passenger struggling to walk with the assistance of a flight attendant. Without a second thought, he sneered at the older man before settling into his seat.

As the plane took off, Andrew, who had been flying frequently since childhood, absentmindedly lifted the window shade, bored and eager to return home after his first semester at boarding school. A few minutes later, he got up to retrieve his tablet, carelessly leaving his bag protruding from the overhead bin.

The same flight attendant who had assisted the elderly man approached him. “Sir, your bag is sticking out. You didn’t secure the overhead bin properly.”

“Then why don’t you do it instead of just standing there?” Andrew snapped. “It’s your job, not mine.”

Despite his rudeness, the stewardess remained professional, securing the bin before walking away. Andrew, still irritable, popped some peanuts into his mouth but spat them out in disgust. He immediately summoned the flight attendant.

“These taste awful! Get me something better,” he demanded, tossing the bag at her.

The stewardess, though visibly upset, kept her composure. “Sir, please refrain from throwing things at me.”

“I’ll do as I please,” Andrew retorted. “You’re here to serve me, so go get something decent to eat.”

Nearby passengers exchanged shocked glances, appalled by his behavior. The elderly man he had mocked earlier spoke up.

“Young man, there’s no excuse for treating her that way,” he said firmly. “She’s doing her job, and she deserves respect.”

“Why should I respect someone who can’t do their job properly?” Andrew scoffed, snapping his fingers at the stewardess. “Hurry up with my snack already!”

The flight attendant, fighting back tears, turned and walked away.

“Your parents must be ashamed of you,” the older man muttered, returning to his magazine.

“Mind your own business, old man,” Andrew shot back. “I paid for this flight; I expect good service.”

When the stewardess returned with pretzels, Andrew knocked the tray away dismissively. “I want something better.”

“That’s all we have, sir,” she replied, her eyes welling with tears.

Another passenger, a woman, intervened. “How dare you speak to her like that? Show some respect!”

“If she did her job right, I wouldn’t be complaining!” Andrew argued. “She’s just a terrible servant.”

Unable to endure the abuse any longer, the stewardess broke down in tears.

The passengers stared in disbelief as Andrew’s insults echoed through the cabin. Then, a voice from behind him spoke up—a voice that sent a chill down his spine.

“I’ve been watching you, and I can’t believe what I’m seeing,” said a man dressed in an expensive suit.

Andrew turned, his face going pale. “D-Dad?” he stammered.

“Yes, Andrew, it’s me,” his father, Steven, said, his expression filled with disappointment. “I had to take this economy flight due to a last-minute change. I thought I recognized your voice, but I was focused on my work. Now, I see exactly what’s happening.”

“But Dad—” Andrew began, but Steven cut him off.

“Apologize to her. Right now.”

Reluctantly, Andrew mumbled, “Sorry.”

“That’s not good enough,” Steven said sternly. “We’ll talk more when we get home.”

Back at their luxurious house, Andrew followed his father into his study, nervous about what awaited him.

“I’m beyond disappointed,” Steven said, shaking his head. “Is this what boarding school has taught you? To look down on people?”

Andrew shrugged. “I don’t see the big deal. She’s just a flight attendant.”

Steven’s eyes narrowed. “Being rich doesn’t give you the right to mistreat others. You’re nothing without my wealth, Andrew. And it’s time you learn that.”

“What do you mean?” Andrew asked, his voice uncertain.

“You’re not going back to boarding school. You’ll attend public school and work for a living during breaks.”

Andrew’s jaw dropped. “Work? What kind of work?”

“As a janitor in my cleaning services company,” Steven declared.

“A janitor?! No way!” Andrew protested.

“You have no choice,” his father said firmly. “I’m cutting off all your privileges—no more credit cards, no more car, no more expensive clothes. You’ll earn your way from now on.”

The next day, Andrew reported to his new job at the airport. His supervisor, an older woman, wasted no time assigning him tasks.

“You don’t even know how to hold a mop properly,” she chuckled as Andrew fumbled with the stick.

“Stop laughing! I’m not used to this,” Andrew snapped. “And don’t forget, my dad owns this company.”

“Your dad sent you here to learn. So, get to work.”

Andrew grumbled as he scrubbed floors, carried heavy buckets, and picked up trash. Throughout the day, he faced rude customers, dismissive glances, and exhausting labor. He even had a bottle thrown at him by a passerby and was pushed aside with a sneer.

“This is awful,” he muttered under his breath, exhausted and humiliated.

Then, just when he thought his day couldn’t get worse, a woman ordered him to clean up after her grandson, who had vomited on the floor.

“No way!” Andrew recoiled in disgust. “I’m not touching that.”

“It’s your job,” she said coldly. “Or should I report you?”

With no choice, Andrew put on gloves and reluctantly cleaned the mess, his stomach turning. For the first time, he felt the sting of being treated as inferior.

Later, drained and looking for a place to rest, he slumped against a wall—only to be kicked by a woman who scolded him for “sleeping on the job.”

Tears welled in Andrew’s eyes as realization hit him. This was how the flight attendant must have felt when he humiliated her.

Just then, a familiar figure passed by. Andrew’s heart pounded as he ran after her.

“Wait!” he called, tapping the woman’s arm.

The flight attendant turned, startled. “You?”

Andrew caught his breath. “I’m sorry for how I treated you. I was wrong. I insulted you, but you still did your job with kindness. I see now how hard it is.”

She studied him for a moment before offering a small smile. “I’m glad you understand.”

Without revealing his story, Andrew simply nodded and returned to work, determined to change his ways.

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