"I'm sorry too, Mr. Sims!"
A man stepped forward. "I sealed the windows on purpose so you wouldn't see any light."
Another added, "I made sure the door was cracked at night to let the cold air in while you slept."
"I didn't do much, but I led the charge to badmouth you for days. I'm sorry."
"..."
One after another, members of the Special Division bowed their heads in apology, not just out of guilt but out of growing admiration for the elderly man standing before them.
Even those who had done nothing wrong followed suit, apologizing and showing their respect.
Then, a steady voice cut through the crowd. "Let me through."
Everyone parted as Brian walked up, eyes fixed on old Mr. Sims.
He saw the man's white hair, frail body, and shaky steps, but most of all, he saw those eyes—steady and unbroken.
The weight of it hit Brian like a punch to the gut.
