CHAPTER 1 — THE HUMILIATIONnn
The sporting goods store was busy that afternoon.
Customers filled the aisles.
Employees joked behind the counter.
Then the front door opened.
An elderly man slowly walked inside.
His back was bent.
His hands trembled slightly.
His clothes were old but clean.
He looked like someone life had already worn down.
The old man approached the counter and smiled politely.
“Excuse me,” he said.
“I’m looking for something to help protect my home.”
The youngest employee smirked.
“Protect your home?”
Another laughed.
“Sir, do you even know how to use a smartphone?”
Several workers burst into laughter.
The old man remained calm.
“I just need some advice,” he replied quietly.
But the mockery only grew worse.
One employee pulled out his phone.
“Guys, look at this.”
He started recording.
The others joined in.
“Maybe we should teach Grandpa how technology works first.”
More laughter.
Customers shifted uncomfortably.
But nobody intervened.
The old man simply listened.
Then he nodded once.
May you like
Smiled.
And walked toward the exit.
