Mary, a Walmart employee in her forties, approached with calm authority, clearly no stranger to tense situations.
“Excuse me, is everything alright here?” she asked, glancing between the man, his wife, and me.

The man immediately launched into his complaint. “This young man can walk just fine, but my wife’s been on her feet all day. He should let her use the wheelchair for a few minutes!”

Mary listened patiently, nodding as he vented. When he paused, she asked kindly but firmly, “Sir, does your wife need assistance walking?”

The woman spoke softly, “No, I’m just tired, but I can manage.”

Mary turned back to the man. “I understand, but store policy is to ensure wheelchairs go to those who truly need them. There are benches by the entrance if your wife would like to sit, and I can check for extra wheelchairs.”

The man, realizing he’d lost the argument, sighed. His wife tugged at his arm, murmured something, and they reluctantly walked away. Mary gave me a reassuring smile before returning to her duties.