They try to help, but it's complicated

Dana saw everyone around the table looking awkwardly. She could understand why - the restaurant was good, but it was expensive - and for most of them, eating here was a significant portion of their budget. She knew each one of them - her included - had been saving up for this for a long time.

Each one of her friends offered to pay a portion of her bill - some gave more, some less. She promised to repay them later, but that wasn't of much use if they didn't have the money right now.

Everyone passed their contribution to Candace, who collected it and handed it all to the waiter. As he counted the money, Dana held her breath. Her fate was hanging in the balance - she could be in serious trouble if they ended up short.

Unfortunately for her, that was exactly what happened. She felt her stomach fall as the waiter declared she was still short, by about half the amount of her bill. "Ma'am, do you have no other way to pay?", the waiter asked, his voice impassive.

Dana hung her head, crestfallen. "No.", she said, her voice quivering.

"Ma'am, I'm afraid I will need to call the police.", the waiter replied.

Dana felt tears form in her eyes - she was going to be arrested. She had not expected her life to fall apart this much, and this fast. She felt humiliated - she had been stripped of her clothes, and soon she would also be stripped of her dignity. Her mind was losing itself, surrendering to her panic.

"Ma'am, I need you to stand up and follow me.", ordered the waiter. She meekly complied - there was no point in resisting. She hung her head in shame and stood up. Her arms weakly resumed their positions, covering her privates - albeit barely. She motioned to follow the waiter.