Everyone leaves a mark

In a city there was a 12 seater restaurant. The restaurant had two shifts with three chefs. The first shift was managed by the single master chef. The second shift was staffed by two others.

The master chef was experienced and old as the title suggests. The other two were skilled and semi skilled, but lacked experience the master chef had.

Every day when the amateur chefs come in the master chef leaves for the day. As the master chef leaves, the kitchen looks tidy at its best and all items neatly put back. It used to be less tidy and unorganized when the amateur ones leave.

The semi skilled amateur one day asked out of curiosity to the old chef. "Master, how come you never leave a sign of having cooked? It looks as though you never cooked and only cleaned the kitchen." The old master chef smiled and walked out without a reply.

Occasionally the amateur asked the same question and the old chef never replied. One day the amateur lost it and stopped the old man saying he would not let him pass until he got a reply. The old man looked around, and replied patiently, "I've left a mark, if you're capable of finding it, find it."

Unable to find any mark the amateur gave up next day to master chef. For few days the amateur never questioned the master. One fine day the old master quit from his work. Even on the last day, the old chef left the kitchen spic and span. The amateur wanted to get the answer and was more polite and asked his question, "Master, how come you leave no mark while you cook?" The master was more polite, and replied, "Clearly there's a mark I've left. Look carefull." Saying those words the old master walked out.

Few months passed by and the old man was in his death bed. He sent for the amateur. The young one came by, with a concern the old master asked, "So, did you find the mark I used to leave?" The amateur had no reply. The master then finally spoke, "I used to leave a mark everyday and that's the mark of cleanliness." Saying these the master went into a slumber. The young one sat there for a few minutes fumbled at the realization and walked out, without disturbing the old man's peaceful sleep. The young one learnt his lesson.

Clearly, everyone leaves a mark!

Love,