“Come on, lady,” the impatient young man called out. “Take your complaint somewhere else. Some of us have real jobs to get to.”

Daniel felt a familiar heat rise in his chest—the same feeling he’d experienced watching his mother’s tears after being dismissed by officials who couldn’t be bothered to help. Before he could second-guess himself, he stepped out of line and walked to the customer service desk. With gentle respect, he placed a hand on the elderly woman’s shoulder. The bank representative looked up, startled.

“This woman deserves your respect and attention,” Daniel said quietly, his voice carrying the calm authority he’d developed during his service. “I’m happy to wait while you properly address her concerns.”