A Special Evening I was a server at a fancy restaurant for about four years. I was pretty good at waiting tables, so I made good tips. People didn't take much notice of me as I refilled drinks or cleared empty plates. They just kept talking. Other times, a guest asked me to help make his or her loved one feel special. I always enjoyed helping people celebrate important occasions.
One evening, a young man brought his date to the restaurant. He treated her well—held the door open for her, slid her chair out, and pushed her chair in. I couldn't tell if it was their first date or not. The man seemed very anxious, but the woman seemed at ease. When the woman left the table, the man frantically waved for my attention. I rushed over and asked if he needed something.
"I'm going to propose to my girlfriend. I need your help. When you bring the dessert, put this ring on top of the cake. Then, I will get down on one knee. Please make sure that nothing happens to the ring. It cost a fortune," the man said.
"Sure thing, man. I'll take good care of the ring. Good luck," I said as I put it in my pocket.
I was happy when I saw the couple laughing and holding hands. I was pretty sure that the young woman would accept the proposal. Finally, it was time to bring the dessert. Eagerly, I went to the kitchen and placed the diamond ring on top of a slice of cheesecake. Then, I had a brilliant idea of how to make the presentation even more special. I went to the storage room to get a candle and a lighter. When I returned to the kitchen, the cheesecake with the diamond ring was gone. Just as I reached the front of the restaurant to see if another server had taken it, I heard, "Yes! Robert, I will marry you!"
Anxiously, I looked to see who had accepted the marriage proposal. I saw a happy-looking middle-aged woman admiring the diamond ring on her finger and a stunned-looking middle-aged man with his mouth hanging open in disbelief. Then, I noticed the guest who had given me the ring. He looked horrified. His face was pale and his eyes were bulging from their sockets. I glanced at his girlfriend. She was smiling and watching the woman with the diamond ring. She had no idea that the ring had been meant for her.
I wasn't quite sure what to do. I suppose that my flight or fight response kicked in. I untied my apron, ran out the door, and never went back.

A. The narrator tells the story without becoming involved.

B. The narrator shows that the events personally affect him.

C. The narrator makes excuses about his lack of courage.