“I’m sorry…” she murmured after a moment, her earlier judgment dissolving into regret. “I didn’t know…”

“It’s okay,” he replied, offering a small, understanding smile. “I’m just glad I was here to help you.”

The bus was filled with an unexpected quiet, the usual hum of the city outside muted by the unfolding drama. The passengers who had initially judged the young man by his appearance now witnessed firsthand the integrity and kindness beneath his inked skin.