Returning from a business trip, I don't usually look my best. I'd dropped off the rental car and climbed aboard the terminal shuttle, completely full, no seats free. Fine with me. I dropped my bag in the aisle. Then a young man stood up, motioned to his seat. "Sir? Please." First, shock: Me? I'm not old! Then, grief: I look old. Then, anger: Why you little punk, I could… Then, awareness: Everyone's watching. Finally, gratitude: Here's a young person, brought up right. I smiled and took the proffered seat. "Appreciate it," I said. His turn to give, mine to receive.
Ian Owens is a self-employed engineer who writes for the fun of it, mostly about self-propelled travel and Vikings. His first book, called "Riding the Big One," has both.