The representative’s expression shifted from annoyance to uncertainty. “Sir, this doesn’t concern you. Please return to your place in line.”

Daniel remained standing beside the elderly woman. “Actually, it does concern me and everyone else here. We all deserve to be treated with dignity.”

Eyes from around the bank focused on him—some admiring, others disapproving, most simply uncomfortable with the disruption of social norms.

“Is there a problem here?” asked a security guard, approaching slowly.

Daniel smiled slightly. “No problem at all. I’m just standing with this lady until her issue is properly addressed.”

“When everyone turns away, only conscience remains. Stay with us to see what happens next.”

As the security guard hovered uncertainly nearby, the elderly woman turned to Daniel with a grateful smile. “Thank you, young man, but you don’t need to trouble yourself.” Her voice carried the soft inflection of the South, but with a backbone of steel beneath the gentleness.