Lunchtime at my favorite café usually offered a brief escape from work, but one fateful day, that peace was shattered. As I sat in my usual corner, a man in a tailored suit entered, his arrogance preceding him. Mike, the elderly janitor, accidentally brushed the man with his broom. What followed was a shocking display of entitlement.

The man erupted in anger, berating Mike for daring to touch his expensive jacket. Mike, always humble, apologized, but the man continued to humiliate him. The café fell silent, tension thick in the air.

Before I could intervene, another man stood up. “Mike, is that you? We’ve been looking for you for years!” This stranger, Peter, claimed Mike was his long-lost business partner who had vanished after a yacht accident. The arrogant man’s face paled as Peter demanded he make amends—by buying Mike new clothes, taking him to a fine restaurant, and compensating him.

The arrogant man, now thoroughly humbled, followed Peter’s orders. As Peter left, I asked if he truly knew Mike. Peter admitted he didn’t—he’d made up the story to teach the bully a lesson. Mike was just a good man who deserved respect.

In the end, Peter reminded us all that respect and dignity are rights, not privileges.