An Unwavering Routine

The Arby's restaurant is privy to the fact that the old man has been at the same table eating the same food for the last two and a half years.  It has been an enduring mystery at the restaurant and kept most employees guessing about the man.

Eating his food patiently, his lone figure drew sympathy from all quarters. They wanted to know more about him.  Was he all alone? Were there any family members around to take care of him? The employees racked their brains to solve this mystery.

The Mysterious Mr. Doug

Manager Christina Gamage was the most puzzled about the mystery of the 97-year-old Doug Parker. The decorated veteran paid a visit to the Arizona Arby's restaurant every single day. He is always on time, without fail to have his lunch. But why does he eat the same food every single day? Does he not get bored?

Christina was someone who took pride in knowing about her customers. She was friendly with everyone. However, she could not know anything about this man. She knew she had to find more about this man.

The Preferred Regular

Most of the customers who visited the restaurant were big fans of the food served at the Arby's restaurant. However, Mr. Doug was a little different than the others. He came to the same restaurant every day, eating the same food. And perhaps there was more to it than meets the eye?

Christina, an empathetic manager, grabs the door for him as he enters the restaurant with a walker. She does all that and more, yet she is still oblivious to the man's real story. The sight of the frail man eating his food at the corner would make most people misty-eyed.

Why So Lonely?

Curiosity got the better off Christine as one afternoon. When she saw him enter, she had to ask the question that was bothering her for some time. What brought him here? Why was he always alone? They were some of the questions at the tip of her tongue.

However, a man who has been used to being lonely for so long will hardly open up at gentle prodding. He will need a little more than that. However, it looks like he enjoys being lonely. He just cut a lonely figure at a bustling restaurant. And perhaps comfortable in his own company.

The Usual Order

Conjectures were rife at the Arby's store. They were all wondering why did Mr. Doug eat the very same food every day? They were curious, perhaps overly so. But none of them could go and ask him a simple question, why are you always alone? Or why do you always eat the same food?

Most people say that he is a war veteran and spent his retirement years at home. He also didn't have a family. But it still did not answer the question, what made him eat the same food every day?

The Same Lunch Everyday

Mr. Doug's favorite food was a roast beef slider with swiss cheese complete with a Coca-Cola with no ice, and he had this for lunch every day. Christina, one day couldn't stop herself from asking the question to Mr. Doug.

Why does he always come to the same location every day and eat the same food? Mr. Doug said something that made them surprised. For all they were worth, they were not expecting the answer. Christina learned one big secret that day. It wasn't only her sumptuous sandwiches that drew Mr. Doug to the store.

The Health Factor

Only the tasty sandwiches that Arby's served drew the veteran to the store. Mr. Doug said it was the only place where he got a good sandwich for his stomach. Yes, Mr. Doug was suffering from digestive issues and couldn't digest most foods, except for the sandwich they served at Arby's.

Christina was distressed to hear about Mr. Doug's sufferings. Christine knew that she had to help Mr. Doug to the best of her ability. Others echoed similar thoughts. It was heartening to note how much Mr. Doug's life history was moving all at the store.

Like His Family

The regular customers at Chandler's Arby were like one big family. Most of them were sad to hear about the story of the war veteran. They were determined to do something for him. News about him spread like wildfire.

Another employee at Arby quipped that Mr. Doug was like family to them, Travis Coye. Of course, they had to do something to make him feel better. They were willing to do anything to make the war veteran feel comfortable and welcomed at the restaurant. They put their heads together to think of something.

The Order As Per Health Requirements

A good manager always takes care of their customers seriously. Christina was no different. She took her regular customers' needs with extra care. She even briefed her staff about the special dietary needs of Mr. Doug. They were supposed to cater to the needs of Mr. Doug without fail.

However, she didn't know that her staff was up to some tricks up their sleeves. But with time, she found out something that greatly surprised her. She wasn't expecting it at all. The employees always listened to her. What went wrong?

A Hot Sandwich For Him

Arby's was Mr. Douf's go-to place for lunch; since the other places, he went to serve sandwiches that disagreed with his stomach. Christina knew that they had to serve the right food for him without fail.
Since if Mr. Doug has food from other places, the wrong foods can trigger his stomach disorder.

Christina and the other diners couldn't bear to see Mr. Doug suffering. So, they decided that the war veteran living on a fixed income should always have a hot sandwich when he needed it. One day Christina was shocked to find someone slipping in something warm into Mr. Doug's meal.

Something Fishy

Ethel Fishman, who has been visiting Arby's for long, knew Mr. Doug; she doubted one of the young waiters who has been working at the Arby's. One day, she noticed him sneaking in something into Mr. Doug's usual order, and it had her completely baffled!

The waiter's actions were suspicious at best, and Ethel couldn't help wondering exactly what he was up to? Would Ethel's suspicions be unfounded? Let's find out exactly what did the waiter sneak inside? Would the waiter lose his job? Or did the waiter do something to help the war veteran?

The Furtive Actions

Ethel was a sharp woman and could guess exactly what the waiter was up to. The waiter's face was mirroring his actions. The waiter was oblivious to Ethel's watchful gaze. The waiter was so busy doing his task that he wouldn't know exactly who was watching. Still, he looked around just in case.

Ethel wanted to find out exactly what the waiter was up to and bring it to the notice of everyone. She fished out her phone to document the incident. She never knew that her action would have such an impact on everyone.

A Telling Click!

Ethel knew what to do with her evidence and how to get it without anybody knowing about it. She ensured her cameraphone's flash was off and took all the needed photos. Ethel was mighty curious to find out what the waiter had slipped into Arby's paper bag.

Little did she know that she would find out all about it soon. Everyone, along with Ethel, would soon find out all about it. Would Ethel find out what exactly happened? Well, we need to read more to find more about this incident.

A Quick Go-Through The Menu

The war veteran sat still as he was waiting in anticipation for his meal. His eyes were on the waiter as he was hungry and waiting for the meal. His breath quickened as the waiter pushed the bag right towards him.

Ethel could not see the man's face. But she saw the waiter smiling at Mr.Doug as he looked at the waiter and his meal. A bemused expression on his face. He really couldn't understand what was happening. It was not what he ordered, so how could the waiter deliver this?

The Mystery of the Red Card

Mr. Doug began eating his favorite roast beef sandwich while the waiter still moved around him, refusing to leave the table. Mr. Doug, although he was enjoying his meal, still seemed confused. He was more surprised when an army of reporters tried moving around him.

He took a look inside the bag to check what the waiter had put inside the bag. Suddenly he noticed the piece of red card lying at the bottom of the bag. What was in there? He almost asked. He was so used to not talking to anyone that he couldn't ask the question.

The Big Reveal

Ethel heard Mr. Doug speaking and what she heard made her tear up. She realized that the precious picture she had taken must be shared with all and sundry; she duly shared.

It was when her server provided her with the bill when her phone began to ping like no tomorrow. Arby's was now famous on social media, thanks to Ethel. But was she right on sharing it? What had Ethel done that sparked the interest of one and all? Well, we are going to find that out soon.

Act Of Generosity

Mr. Doug suddenly realized that there were reporters swarming all around Arbys. Were they waiting for his reaction? Were they playing a prank on him? There were a lot of questions swimming in his mind. Eventually, he realized what the staff at Arby's had done.

He realized that it was all because of the generosity of the waiters that he had received the gift card. And he was really thankful to the people who were so thoughtful to him and thanked them wholeheartedly for their generosity. He also told that he was not certain that he would be back the next day, but the selfless act gave him indescribable joy.

Gift Card

The staff had in fact decided to help Mr. Doug in their own way, doing their bit to help him. They pooled their spare cash and put in a $200 Arby's gift card into Mr. Doug's order so that they could save a little money.

The news went viral, and it reached Arby's head office. They were willing to discuss the kind-hearted gesture of Chandler, and they needed to discuss the same with Christina about the unorthodox act. What prompted them to act the way they did? That was the question that was bothering the people at the head office.

Extra Love

Christina knew exactly what she had to say since she felt so strongly about Mr. Doug. Doug had suffered a lot of mental health issues in his younger days and when he was in the army. The issues only got worse with age.

The head office now knew what the community of Chandler felt about the war veteran. They knew that the gesture was underlined by empathy. They decided to walk a little further and add their touch to the gesture. Community camaraderie is a big part of Chandler, and the head office knew exactly how to go about things.

There is Something Like a Free Lunch

Arby's was grateful for Mr. Doug's service during the war. And they decided that now was the time to show their gratitude for his contribution to the war. Arby's head office decided that Mr. Doug would never pay for a beef slider and Coca Cola again.

The restaurant chain went ahead and gave Mr. Doug a lifetime's worth of free lunches. This surprised Mr. Doug to no end. He got the news when he came for his regular meals. The news caught him unawares, and his reaction was priceless. Now, he won't have to worry about his free lunches anymore.

Surprised Beyond Words

Christina said later that the news rendered him speechless. Christina and Travis went to render the news to Mr. Doug. This way, Mr.Doug would never have to worry about funding for his lunch. We are sure it would reduce his stress. He would continue to enjoy his meals without an iota of worry.

Mr.Doug was rendered speechless when he first heard the news. Later wanted to speak about how he felt about the entire episode. The journalists also wanted to get his reaction. The others were surprised to see his reaction.

Excellent Hospitality

Mr. Doug was also vociferous about the staff working at the restaurant. The staff always did their best to look out for him, also keep a table free for him. Although Mr. Doug never complained about sitting at any corner of the eatery, the staff found a way to take care of him.

Whatever he needs, the staff goes out of their way to give it to him. Also, he loves the meals served at Arby's. They are just so satisfying. Mr. Doug doesn't get free food. He gets more than that.

Warm and Inviting Meal

The staff at Arby's always know the meal Mr. Doug enjoys. So they go ahead and prepare it before he arrives. The staff ensures that Mr. Doug enjoys a hot meal as soon as he arrives at the table.

Everyone at the restaurant knows that Mr. Doug is welcome even when he runs out of gift coupons. Even if he fails to reach the restaurant, his food will reach him. The bond between Arby and Mr.Doug is as strong as it could be and is unlikely to break anytime soon.

Meal Delivery at The Doorstep

The bond between Mr. Doug and the employees is so strong that they have given their personal phone numbers to him. If he faces any problem, he can call them anytime he wants.

Now that Mr. Doug's story has reached people worldwide, they are also going out of their way to help the war veteran. Since they are grateful for his services towards his country, they knew that they had to do their bit to show their gratitude. What can we say but Mr. Doug deserves all the love coming his way.

Food For Life

Mr. Doug was a popular man and was well-liked in the community. Most of the staff and diners at the Chandler Arby's were genuinely happy to hear about how Mr. Doug received free food for life. He was one of the nicest persons and deserved all the love coming his way.

A local optometrist also heard about Mr. Doug and came to see him, to find whether everything was okay with him. News about him had reached far and wide, and everyone was stepping forward to help him.

Free Checkup

The local doctor, who also heard about Mr. Doug, came out to help him. He provided his services free of cost. That's great because Mr. Doug's prescription needed an upgrade. The doctor knew that the old man needed a little help with his eyes, came forward to help him.

And the kind optometrist even offered Mr.Doug a free pair of glasses he gratefully received. The eye doctor was just one of the people who came forward to help him. It just shows how much the community cared for him. It was heartening to note that the entire Chandler community was coming together to help him.

More Help For Mr. Doug

Christina was the first one who came forward to help the war veteran. She was glad to note that the others were also coming forward to help him. A war veteran like Mr. Doug had sacrificed so much for the country. They deserve community support and more.

Christina went ahead and gave him a free meal at Arby's for life. Although she was all set to lose business, she knew there was more to life than earning profits. Her heart was full of happiness for helping Mr. Doug. A community can go a long way in helping people.

The True Reward

Arby's is famous for its selfless acts. They were recognized by the veteran group Run for the Wall for doing their bit for Mr. Doug. However, Christina insists that their sole reward was doing their bit for war veterans like Mr. Doug.

She further said that it was a great honor. There are just so many beautiful stories about veterans, and she is thankful for their enormous contribution to them. It is always great to see people coming forward to help war veterans. A community always needs to come forward to help the people who need it the most.

News Travels Fast

Mr. Doug's story went viral when the fellow diner Daniel Maloney had posted a photo of Mr. Doug. He was there eating a meal with his mother at Chandler Arby's. The customer saw the entire episode of the staff giving the war veteran the $200 coupon. He also saw the staff people giving him coupons for life.

The whole incident was so moving that Daniel decided to capture it and the rest, as they say, is history. A simple act of sharing an image can have such a wonderful impact.

Selfless Employees

When the staff at Arby's broke the news about the lifetime of free meals to Mr. Doug, he was stunned. Also, the staff added that he can always come for his lunches at Arby's and enjoy his meals in peace.

Maloney was touched to see these people helping out an elderly man. Arby serves delicious meals with loads of love! Isn't this a story worth sharing? Maloney thought so too and shared the story without hesitation. It is just a simple story that has such a profound effect.

Nothing Like Social Media Posts

Acts of kindness often occur throughout the world, so Daniel was certainly no exception! He posted such acts on Facebook, and soon after, there was a deluge of comments, reactions, and shares.

While news of such help coming via social media is nothing out of the odds these days, thankfully, Daniel's post led most others to follow in his footsteps. It's great that most people thought the posts were 'heart-warming' and must be shared. At least, it shows that humanity is still alive.

Overwhelmed With Positive Responses

The news spread far and wide. Facebook user Nancy Tucker exclaimed how it made her happy, and the work should continue for more veterans. On the other hand, Ofelia Lacaba thanked Mr. Doug for the service. Not to miss out Arby's for furthering a cause so dear to the heart, without fail, every day.

Another Facebook user remarked how he loved everything about this news if that's not enough. Caring and compassion are essential values that people have chosen to forget. The act is so exemplary that he added how everyone should similarly treat each other, for it just makes life a "little easier."

A Heroic Deed

When positive responses keep coming, there's seemingly no end! And that is akin to inspiration for many. Doug kept getting such uplifting and encouraging words from most people. Most others said they loved Arby's and that their fondness for the place will grow simply because of this act.

Besides, it's great to see young people with such big hearts. Whether visitors ate food here or not wasn't the question. Positivity kept pouring, and many (as usual) thanked Mr. Doug for his amazing service. The queue started getting longer!

Inspiration That Will Never Die

There have been interesting and inspiring stories that came worldwide. While a few of them posted one word or two words' praises, others came with longer comments. What is even more pleasant is how everyone has thanked Arby's and made this 'veteran's day' every day! A few more comments that expressed joy at the services rendered also came in.

Someone rightly added that it's a great story to narrate to the world. The Veteran who came by truly deserved respect, dignity, and much more. And Arby's had been phenomenal in showing that kindness- which is a rarity in today's times.

The Perfect Word Is 'Heart-Warming'

Doug's flooded with good wishes and blessings, especially after the loyalty and optimum service he and his team have shown. He had just helped humanity retain faith that good people are still there. For all the "Dougs" who might be at different locations worldwide, doing such great deeds- the world must look forward to them and their human touch.

Now the world has come to know about it, thanks to how everyone praised the story. A commenter also shared a personal story to add more charm to this.

The 'Real Meal.'

The one who narrated his personal story moved many readers. His dad would have been 94 had he been alive. A Korea veteran and a WWII specialist, he loved Arby's! It might seem like fast food- but then he said it was a 'real meal.' He was very glad and thanked Arby's for their exceptional service.

But like every good thing has a bad side, too, so not every Facebook commenter considered this good news. Unfortunately, a large section of the social media users saw only the negative.

Unique Advertising, Free Of Cost

This one was a unique strategy for Arby's. Pelle Stellato had suggested that since the shop was getting moiré attention than ever, they should focus on advertising and pitching them better. It wasn't wrong to say that Arby's would have to spend more money on advertisements than even feeding him throughout his life!

This was quite an effective and great plan. It was akin to giving an old man food for life and then enjoying higher advertising revenue. But Watson Joe said that kind acts should be done if wanted, unlike making the news announce the same.

All For The Veterans

Those who know Arby would agree with how it's famous for supporting veterans at every step. It even offers free beef sandwiches to heroes in America on Veteran's Day! Not everyone would have the heart (and money) to do so.

The CEO of United States Beef, Jeff Davis, had said how the country is more than blessed to have eager men and women who would step forward upon learning that the country needs people who would act as genuine servers and guarantee them freedom. He extended a small token of appreciation by feeding them on Veteran's Day.

Respect Of The Highest Kind

Mr. Doug has aged, and health issues are quite common at this point in life. Also, there's no family, so no question of support arises. He and the entire human fraternity stay indebted to Arby's for showcasing a fine example of what 'respect' looks like.

Since he risked his life for America and then made a way back in the 1940s, Mr. Doug, however, is sadly forgotten for the most part. Thanks to the Arizona Arby's staff who supported her through her journey, and not any government. The latter should have even considered him a part of his family!

Another Decade, Maybe?

A journalist jokingly asked if the 'lifetime supply of sandwiches that are now available to him would be there with him another one decade of his life or not. That means the 97-year old should live for another decade and keep spreading the cheer among his community.

Mr. Doug surprisingly said that he was lucky that he got such a place that cared for him. But it's not essential that all patrons would also be as delightful as him! He replied that veterans must enjoy their sandwiches, without any doubt.

Was Something Missing?

After a point of time, the absence of the 97-year-old was strongly felt. So, when someone kept looking for the 'familiar face' who was seated at the same place for seven years at a stretch, it was nowhere to be found. And this happened for the second morning in a row!

Even the waiter felt odd knowing that the first day of his absence itself was a little too much. But now, on the second day, everybody couldn't think of 'Doug' not being there. It was the reality and not what one would like to think of.

Learning The Art

Melina Salazar worked as the server at Luby's in Brownsville, Texas. She was there as the waitress for seven years! Sometimes waiting at the tables can be exhausting enough, but then her work was all about putting a welcoming, cheery nature and greeting everyone with a friendly smile on their face. This way, patrons would stay happy.

In the first week on the job, she noticed that the eating place was replete with few regulars and new visitors. And there was an old man, who was very popular among servers.

Not The Usual 'Pleased' Guy

The 89-year-old Veteran who came by was an 'elderly gentleman,' who was famous as Walter 'Buck' Swords. Strangely enough, he somehow made a habit of grabbing quick bites and meals at Luby's almost every single day. It was certain he liked the food.

Melina was still undergoing training and was assigned his table for the first week. Her job was anything but easy. Walter (as per the staff) was a rather 'difficult' customer to please! But the relentless efforts to treat him better and help him stay pleased were intact.

Best Effort To Retain Positivity

Melina's nervousness was understandable, but she came forward with a smile and her head held high. She had resolved to treat Walter like all other guests who came at the location. His reputation did not matter. She wanted to give it her best effort.

It was worth applauding how Melina maintained a positive attitude, regardless of her issues. Even better was how she wanted to see only the best in everyone. However, she was just about to be tested for it. And probably she didn't even see that coming!

The Man Was Nicknamed 'Walter "Buck" Swords'

Shocking as it may sound, but Walter was someone who was notable for his short-tempered nature and rude attitude that he meted out to the staff at the restaurant. Even if the team treated him like family, he was so impatient, cranky, moody, and impatient- that serving him was akin to a nightmare!

Melina was initially taken aback at his temperament- especially how he said that the food should arrive at his table, piping hot. It didn't even concern him that it would burn his mouth, but that was what he wanted.

Results Came In Quick

No one saw Melina's struggles! Her 'tenuous' relationship with the cranky customer made her rather disturbed, but that was just the start, and it went on for seven long years. Even when his usual temper tantrums became part and parcel of every day, Melina never shied away from doing her best.

What created issues was how he swore at her when he wasn't in his best self, but she put on a brave face every morning. She greeted him lovingly and asked how he was doing. The good thing was that her efforts weren't unnoticed.

Empty Space Spoke Volumes

Then came a fateful day when Melina didn't find her customer who ordered 'hot' food. The seat was empty, and that troubled her. Not that the duo had good connections with each other, but gradually Melina became fond of her customer in her way.

He was a permanent fixture in Melina's life at Luby's. The day he stopped coming- it made her worried and anxious. She kept wondering what happened to him, but in vain. Bad thoughts did occur to her, and that was natural, yet she stayed positive.

Worries Engulfed Her

Now that the second and third days also passed away, there were no signs of Walter. Melina kept worrying. Unfortunately, she didn't know about his whereabouts, family members, friends, or relatives. As a result, she couldn't inquire much.

She stayed busy at work, but the nagging worry was intact at the back of her mind. It was rather strange that the cranky customer whose presence itself was disturbing made Melina wonder about his ailing health long after she ended her shift. It proves how relationships don't need reasons and seasons to get built!

Is Something Wrong?

Melina started counting the man as a part of her life as she had grown habituated with him sitting at that table every single day for the last seven years. His sudden disappearance was bound to raise a concern.

It has been around three days. She has been waiting for Walter to pull open the door and take his seat. As she was waiting for her shift to start, she made her way to the back of the restaurant only to find something heartbreaking on the back page of the local paper.

She Didn't Expect This

The obituary section of the paper had the answer to what she was trying to find out all this while. She was awestruck seeing Walter's name there, and her heart sank. She couldn't help but let her tears roll down her eyes.

The fact that she wouldn't see Walter ever again was something harsh for her to bear. Melina had become so used to his presence. She sat at the table the entire day with a heavy heart. However, she didn't know what was coming up.

Her Heart Had Full Sympathy for Walter

The server catered to her ill-tempered customer care for the last seven years. Anyone in place of Melina would have lost her cool at Walter's rude behavior. But she held on to her patients since she knew that Walter had suffered a lot in his life.

Being kind to him was the best thing she could do to make the daily customer feel better. Walter needed emotional support, and that was understandable. Melina had no idea whatsoever of what her efforts would reap in for her.  

Did Walter Remember Melina?

Melina had always experienced rude behavior from Walter but had herself been kind to him. Little did Melina know that Walter had noticed her efforts and the friendly smile she used to flash at him every single morning.

When Christmas was around the corner, Melina got a call that she didn't expect. The army veteran had taken part in WWII and was later in trucking businesses. Melina didn't have any knowledge about what Walter thought about her service.

Surprise Before Christmas

It was just another day for Melina and everyone at Luby's. Melina was busy with her work as usual. Christmas was around the corner, and preparations were in full gear. All of a sudden, the phone at Luby's rang.

Someone on the other side was looking for Melina. When she came to attend the call, her surprise knew no bounds. She had something to her name in Walter's testament. What did her late customer leave back for her before his death?

What Was in the Will?

In his will, Walter had mentioned Melina's name. He wanted to leave something for her as a sign of gratitude towards her. Melina had taken care of all his demands over the years with a smile and never gave him a chance to complain.

Walter knew he was not an easy man to deal with, and he wanted to thank Melina for putting up with him. Not a single day passed without Walter misbehaving with her. Therefore, he thought of paying her back for her kindness.

That's a Lump Sum!

Melina was overwhelmed to hear from the lawyers that Walter had left her a whopping sum of $50,000! That was, however, not all. He also mentioned in his will that Melina would inherit his 2000 Buick.

Not in her wildest dreams did Melina ever think of owning such a massive fortune. Now she could attend a chef school, a dream she always cherished. The WWII veteran had paid her back for her generosity and kindness. This was something unbelievable.

She Made a Difference to His Life

Melina was not just a regular server. Rather, she was someone who made a difference in Walter's life. Melina's joy was at another level when she realized that.

The most surprising aspect is that Walter never let Melina realize that he cared for her. Despite Walter often behaving rudely with her, he remembered her unwavering service and rewarded her in his way. This was an unexpected help from the elderly man.  

Melina Hit the Headlines

Never did this happen before that a customer had so unexpectedly rewarded a waiter or a waitress. That too quite an unlikely one. This was bound to spread like wildfire throughout America.

Melina's compassion towards Walter and the prize she received was highlighted on the news. People welcomed it as the story bore proof of how important being kind to others is. Local news stations covered this, and Melina was more than happy to tell her story on national TV.

She Never Lost Her Patience

Melina revealed in an interview on KGBT-TV that Walter was always rude to her every time she used to serve him food. He always wanted things the way he liked, and he was never ready to compromise.

But not for once did Melina lose her patience. She made sure that Walter was served properly, without being offended, despite the mean behavior she got in return from him. She did her job perfectly. 

What's the Next Plan?

Melina didn't want to divulge her plans for the future. Will she continue serving food at Luby's after such a change in her fortunes? No clear answers from her.

She certainly had some key advice to share with her fellow servers if they face the same situation and meet a difficult customer like Walter. Whatever she said is gold and, of course, true for any situation one faces in life.

Being Nice is the Key

She advised her fellow servers at Luby's to be patient with their customers and ensure that things were delivered at the table just the way they were ordered. Even though some customers might throw cuss words at them, they need to smile and be nice to them.

Her never-ending patience and compassion towards Walter were the latter respected the most. Melina never expected any reward in return, but she got her due in the end.