As you strolled through the bustling streets of Ancient Rome, the admiring and envious glances of passersby were hard to ignore. Your recent rise to wealth and influence had made you a figure of fascination, and the eyes of the crowd followed you with a mix of envy and desire.

The peacefulness of your walk was suddenly shattered by a sharp cry of pain and an angry shout. The commotion drew the attention of many, including yourself. You turned to see a small boy being struck by a baker, the man’s rough hands landing heavy blows on the child. The boy’s cries were heart-wrenching, his small frame trembling under the baker’s harsh punishment.

Surrounding them, the crowd merely watched, their faces a blend of curiosity and indifference. It was a stark contrast to the opulence and admiration that had marked your day, and the scene before you cut through the facade of your glamorous existence with a jarring reality.