We Watched Without Comment

He took five times his limit of free provisions from the food bank. Many of us watched without comment, because we know him. He must have a lot of children! Someone said. There were snickers. The old lady behind the counter gave them her eating snake face. This guy was a giant, super huge. I know him too. He has a big heart. He selflessly gives his talents and energies to those in need. Many of us could have defended him. But these people were heartless. They might have become worse bullies, so we kept quiet. Choosing to live with less drama, losing a bit of our own humanity. By not speaking up, throwing away a bit of our integrity. I felt torn later, wishing I had said something.