“Hey, how’s it goin’?”
“Can’t complain. You?”
“Meh, work’s been slow. Not a lot of people today. What can I get ya?”
“A large latte and a chocolate chip cookie… There any nuts in those?”
“Nah, I don’t think so. They’re gluten free though.”
“Cool.”
“That’s four fifty-five.”
“Debit.” He hands his card to the worker.
“Just slide the card with the stripe facing me… umm. No, the other way… Want your receipt?”
“That’s okay.”
“Here’s your cookie. Have a seat. I’ll bring your latte over when it’s ready.”
“Thanks.”
“… hmm…” uncertain of what he tastes.
“Here’s your latte.”
“Thanks… umm… ex-excuse me?”
“Yeah?”
“The cookie doesn’t have any nuts in it, right?” his voice was starting to get horse.
“Uh, no… Ah shit! I’m sorry.”
The customer coughs.
“Shit! I’m sorry. Uh, do you have a nut allergy?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”
“Why?” More coughs.
“Shit! I think they might have peanut butter. Are you allergic to peanuts?”
“Yea.” The customer starts wheezing.
“Omigod! You’re swelling up! Do you, you have an epipen?”
“No.”
“What? Whydon’tyouhaveanepipen!”
“It exthpired… I’m waithing for my… prescrithion do be filled.”
“Shit! Why don’t you have an epipen?”
“Can… you…” gasping for air. “Call… 9.1.1?”
“Uh, right! Yes! Sorry! Omigod yes!”
“Hu-hello? Look a customer just ate something with peanut butter and can’t breathe! He’s swelling up real bad… thanks… can I do anything? Uh… no… Dammit! Uh, sorry!”
“Hey! An ambulance is on its way.” The worker looks down. “Y-you okay?”
À La Clark 
Clark this didn’t happen to you did it? This is awful!
Well, I’ve had times that have been similar to this. However, it hasn’t been as tragic as this might sound (I wanted to leave the ending unresolved to let the reader decide). I had to write a dialogue piece for a writing course that I took earlier this summer.
I do find how people, especially those in food service, respond to allergic reactions to be fascinating. Sometimes it angers me though. Other times people are more awesome and helpful than I could ever ask them to be.
Thanks for your concern, though.
I hear ya. I have the autoimmune disorder celiac disease. I have to avoid even the most miniscule cross contamination with gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye and cross contaminated oats). On top of this my allergy tests showed I have a moderate reaction to milk…bye bye cheese 😦 Think of all that Kraft dinner I use to eat!! *cries* RIP Kraft dinner I shall miss thee. Good thing I have that epi pen now. So many people don’t understand the severity of these problems. I think for me it usually makes me angry when they seem to think it’s not a big deal. Of course if they are apologetic it’s fine. I do so wish people would take it more seriously when you tell them your issues though. In food service you’d think they’d be trained to be more careful but alas..i guess accidents happen!