Today, I was on the subway, and something happened that really made me think.
A pregnant lady looking incredibly tired got on the train as if she had been on her feet all day. She obviously needed a seat, but the train was crowded.
She noticed a young guy sitting down, completely absorbed in his phone. She approached him and said to him,
‘Excuse me, could I sit down? I’m really tired.’
The young man glanced at her and replied dismissively,
‘Sorry, I got here first. ’
At that moment, an elderly man with a cane slowly stood up and said to the woman,
‘Dear, please take my seat. You need it more than I do.’
She thanked him and sat down, looking visibly relieved.
After that, the old man turned to the young guy and said in a clear, firm voice,
‘Are you a man, son?’
The younger man looked up, slightly confused, and responded,
‘Yeah.’
The old man retorted,
‘I don’t think so. Just having something between your legs doesn’t make you a man. A real man helps those in need and offers strength and support to those who require it. And as we can all see, you’re not showing us that today.’
The young guy’s face turned red.
Though he didn’t say anything, he seemed to think deeply about it.
The subway journey continued, and everyone in the carriage seemed to be silently reflecting on the old man’s words.