“Out,” he ordered, pointing towards the door, his finger like a compass needle directing them away from the chaos they had caused. The boys looked at each other, their bravado faltering under the weight of Mr. Thompson’s gaze. One by one, they shuffled toward the exit, their laughter replaced by uneasy silence.

But Mr. Thompson wasn’t finished. As the door swung shut behind the boys, he turned to the stunned diners, his voice softer now but no less firm. “This is a place of kindness and respect. If you can’t show that, you’re not welcome here.”