Unwanted Kindness

I was jolted awake by someone pushing me, and I struggled to open my eyes. All I could see were dark shadows, making it difficult to determine where I was. I knew my illness had worsened due to being drenched in the rain, but thankfully my thoughts were still clear, and I remembered that I was in Preston’s car. Quickly, I sat up straight, thanked Preston again, then pushed open the door and exited the car. “Ms. Palmer…” Preston stopped me, took an umbrella from the back seat, and handed it to me. “It’s still raining. Take it.” The logo on the umbrella was designer, and there was no way I was taking something so expensive from him. Especially since I didn’t know if I would have the chance to return it. I softly declined, “Thank you, but it’s only a few steps away. I’ll run.” Preston seemed stunned for a second.

He seemed to have read my mind, and he threw the umbrella at me. “You don’t have to return it.” I hated being in this position. I hated taking things from people, and I really h