The elderly man paused beside a glass display filled with handcrafted watches and limited-edition electronics. His work jacket was faded, his boots were dusty, and a small repair bag hung from his shoulder.
Before he could ask a question, a salesman stepped between him and the counter.
“You cannot afford anything here,” he said loudly. “People like you only browse. Take your things and leave.”
Nearby customers went quiet. The older man did not raise his voice. He looked at the salesman and offered one warning: “Be careful whom you dismiss.”
The salesman pointed toward the exit.
Then a corporate executive rushed across the showroom. “Stop! Do not take another step.”
He opened a leather case and placed official ownership documents on the counter. The company seal and the elderly man’s name were printed across the first page.
“This is the owner of the company,” the executive announced. “The man you just insulted signs every paycheck issued from this building.”
The salesman’s face lost its color. His hand dropped from the door as he struggled to speak.
“Sir, I apologize. I did not know.”
The owner closed the documents and met his eyes. “That is the problem. Respect should not begin after you discover someone’s position. It should begin the moment they walk through the door.”
Everyone has a story.