"What?" Renée was expecting some kind of condolence, but this was the last thing she thought she would hear. She wasn't consoling her, saying its not her fault and like almost everybody did but she did the exact opposite, she blamed her.
"It's your fault. Now I'm not doubting your intentions dear, but behind all these kind acts, there is a deep sense of satisfaction that you get, don't you?" the lady asked.
She nodded, impatient to know where she was getting at.
"Nobody asks for your help, even if they do, its up to you to accept or decline. You can't just help somebody and expect them to something in return, could you? You go ahead and help people and when they don't acknowledge you, you become sad. That's not kindness. Kindness is doing something for the other one without hopes of anything in return. Besides, this sense of satisfaction is the essence of kindness, its so good that kindness becomes more of an act of self satisfaction and validation than an act of generosity. Be kind, for this sense of accomplishment is more than enough. It's as though you're doing your soul a favour, not the people"
Renée didn't reply, as she was stuck in a deep sense of thought, unaware of when the lady had gone away in the darkness of the night.
Sometimes, strangers can do wonders.
YOU ARE READING
One Balloon Away
Подростковая литератураJust when eighteen-year-old Renée Martin is about to commit suicide, an unexpected note meant for someone else leads her to the city she has always dreaded, Paris. Join her on this disastrous journey as she struggles with self-esteem, anxiety and th...
