The man at the hardware store called me “boss.” I do not work there. I want to be clear about that from the beginning, because of what followed. I had only asked where the nails were. He pointed and said, “aisle six, boss.” Boss. I stood very still. A title is not given lightly. In my country, to be named the head of a house is a ceremony that takes a full day and three witnesses. This man had done it in half a second, over nails, and walked away. But done is done. I had been appointed. I would not dishonor the appointment. So I assumed my duties. I began arriving early. I learned where everything was. When a customer looked lost, I guided them, because a boss does not abandon his people. When two boxes fell, I restacked them. When a child cried, I gave the child a small respectful nod, and the child stopped, because authority comforts. A real employee found me straightening the paint cans. He asked what I was doing. I told him, simply, “my job.” He called his manager. The manager arrived. I bowed and prepared to receive my first performance review. The manager said, “Sir, you can’t be back here.” I understood. A new boss must earn trust. I accepted the demotion with grace. I returned to the floor and continued serving the people, now from a humbler station, which only deepened my resolve. By closing time I had helped forty customers, reunited a man with the correct drill bit, and been thanked, by name, as “boss,” four more times. Four more appointments. I now hold five titles at a store that does not employ me. A weaker man might find this confusing. I find it an honor I never asked for, and cannot return, so I have simply decided to be worthy of it. The manager walked me out gently and said, “have a good one, chief.” Chief. I stopped at the door. That is a promotion. So I will be back tomorrow. Earlier. There is clearly a path here for a man willing to work, and I intend to climb it, one kind stranger’s word at a time, until I have earned every title this generous country keeps handing me for free. I do not know what I am the boss of. But I will protect it with my life.