The urgency in Leo’s voice and the innocence in his plea were impossible to ignore. The representative stood up immediately, grabbing the store’s first aid kit and notifying security through her walkie-talkie.

As they hurried back toward the entrance with Leo leading the way, the rest of the store seemed to awaken from a stupor. Shoppers who had turned away in discomfort now watched the scene unfold with a mixture of guilt and admiration. Murmurs spread through the crowd, and some even began to check on the grandmother, offering assistance with a sheepish look on their faces.