Chapter 2

Over seven years, I'd lost count of how many times I was woken up by knocking in the middle of the night, all because someone needed to pick up a package.

I'd long since lost track of how many times I'd been asked to watch my neighbors' crying kids. I'd also stopped counting how many times I'd paid people back out of my own pocket after grocery deliveries spoiled or small packages went missing.

I didn't have a regular job because I'd already achieved financial independence. I'd started my own business right after graduating from university, and it had earned me a stable, substantial income ever since.

These days, I only had to work from home occasionally.

Friends would sometimes tell me I didn't have to go so far for other people, but I'd just smile and shake my head.

I figured neighbors ought to look out for one another. Since we lived in the same building, helping each other just seemed like the natural thing to do.

I'd always considered it a simple act of kindness, but I never imagined that I would get this in return.

I took a deep breath, then stepped forward.

"I heard every word you just said. It's fine if all of you believe I've only been helping out because I had something to gain. Carmen just told everyone she'd do it for free. She has plenty of time and doesn't expect anything in return."

I went on, "So, let me make this perfectly clear. From this day forward, I'm done helping everyone. Whether it's accepting your packages or watching your kids, don't come knocking on my door."

As soon as I finished speaking, the entire courtyard fell silent.

Mrs. Thompson froze for a beat before letting out a mocking laugh. "Fine then. Don't help. Who cares? Stop acting like you're some kind of saint."

"Exactly. You're making such a big deal out of nothing, like we've all been begging you for help," Douglas added with a shrug.

The other neighbors quickly echoed the sentiment.

Standing at the center of the crowd, Carmen lifted her chin and said with a sneer, "You should've done this from the start. It's not like we can't get by without you.

"I'm not doing this for money, and I'm not looking to get anything out of anyone. I'm a lot more honest than you are. From now on, I'll take care of everything in this apartment complex. I'm all anyone needs."

As the crowd continued to hurl sarcastic remarks at me, the sharp tap of a cane came from the back.

Then, Mr. Evans from the third floor slowly made his way through the crowd. His legs weren't what they used to be, so it took him a while to make his way to the front.

The moment he got there, he spoke up in protest. "Everyone should be ashamed of themselves! For the past seven years, Hilary's been there whenever I needed help. Whether it was carrying my packages upstairs and hauling heavy things, she was always the first to lend a hand.

"When groceries spoiled or packages disappeared, she paid for them with her own money. I saw it with my own eyes. She didn't gain a single thing from any of it."

Mr. Evans turned to Carmen as he spoke, then looked around at the other neighbours. A beat later, he shook his head and sighed.

He continued, "You people have no shame! You hear one rumor and swallow it whole. Frankly, it's for the best that Hilary stops helping you. You guys just bite the hand that feeds you!"

Mrs. Thompson's expression faltered instantly. Still, she refused to back down.

"Mr. Evans, you can't be so sure. You never know what people are really like."

Mr. Evans brought his cane down hard against the ground. His voice was stern as he questioned, "What's that supposed to mean? I've lived long enough to recognize genuine kindness when I see it!"

I looked at him and felt warmth spreading through my chest.

Even so, I had no intention of defending myself. I simply said calmly, "There's no point saying anything more.

"Mr. Evans, if you're ever not feeling well or need a hand with anything, just let me know. As for everyone else, we'll do things the way you all want from now on."

Having said that, I turned and walked back into the building.

…

When I got home, I didn't hesitate. I threw away the storage rack by the door and every last piece of packing equipment.

After that, I carried every package that had been left with me and piled them outside Carmen's place.

As I looked around the clean, uncluttered apartment, I felt a rare sense of relief. The truth was, I'd trapped myself by trying to help everyone else.

Whenever friends invited me to join them on vacation, I'd worry there'd be no one to take care of everything. So, I'd always turn them down.

However, now, I no longer had to wake to knocking on my door in the middle of the night. I didn't have to watch anyone else's children, and I certainly didn't have to pay out of my own pocket for other people's losses.

Carmen could deal with that mess now.