On a spring afternoon, at a downtown Silver Spring bus stop, a masked old man with a long gray beard arrives on foot. He wears a heavy backpack and carries three small bags, carry-out food and other munchies. A young masked woman rises to offer her seat on the bench.

"You don't need to get up – I'm fine!" he says.

"Oh, I've been sitting all day, please take it!" she replies.

"Well, if it starts to rain you have to get under the shelter here – please!"

"OK!"

He takes the seat. Storm clouds loom. Some minutes later, after two not-in-service buses swoop past, conversation resumes:

"Are you waiting for a #4 or a #5?" he asks.

"Either bus," she says. "But first I'm waiting for my grandmother. She should be arriving on the Metro soon."

A few minutes later a tall, ebony-dark lady appears. She slowly limps across the street. Hugs are exchanged with her pale-complexioned granddaughter. The old man gathers his bags and rises.

"Please sit down, Ma'am," he suggests. "You know, your granddaughter gave me this seat!"

"Oh, thank you but no," she says.

The three stand together outside the kiosk. Another person takes the vacant spot.

"At least somebody is using it now!" the young woman observes.

"Ma'am," the old fellow says with a nod to the elderly lady, "you have a beautiful granddaughter!"

"Thank you," the lady nods back. "Beautiful inside and outside!"

The young woman looks away. The bus arrives.