Getting free lunch

“This? This is the special lunch?” the old-timer said, poking at the food like it might bite back.

“Isn’t it great?” the new joiner beamed, loading up their plate.

The old-timer sighed deeply, as if the world had ended. “My day is ruined.”

“Over a free lunch?” the new joiner asked, surprised.

The old-timer looked up, eyes filled with disappointment. “You wouldn’t understand.”