The pilot cleared his throat. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to take a brief moment before we begin our journey.”
Mr. Manson rolled his eyes. “Oh, what now?”
The pilot continued, “Seated in first class today is Mrs. Cleo Brown and her three children. You may not know this, but Cleo is the widow of Captain Elijah Brown—my co-pilot, my best friend, and a hero who lost his life saving others in a tragic engine fire last year.”
The entire cabin fell silent.
“She and her children are flying with us today, courtesy of our airline. It’s the least we can do to honor the sacrifice their family made.”
Mr. Manson’s face turned pale.
Cleo sat frozen, tears in her eyes, as the passengers around her broke into respectful applause. Mr. Manson shrank in his seat, silenced.
Lesson:
Before you judge someone by their appearance, remember—you don’t know their story. Kindness costs nothing, but disrespect can cost you your dignity.
