After lunch, Leah Sinclair went to the supermarket to restock on some household necessities. She'd been busy lately, and they were running low on a few things.
As she was struggling back with three large bags, she ran into Chester Hale at the entrance to her complex. She hadn't seen him in a long time, not since their last incident.
Seeing her carrying so much, Chester Hale frowned and moved to help her carry some of it.
"It's okay, Dr. Hale. I can manage," Leah said quickly.
"I'm heading back anyway. It's on the way."
Without another word, Chester Hale took two of the bags from her. He noticed the red marks the handles had left on her fingertips from the walk and glanced away.
"Well, thank you, Dr. Hale." Leah, now carrying the single, lighter bag, trailed slowly behind him.
"Leah," Chester Hale began suddenly, "I've been thinking a lot about what you said last time. I realized I shouldn't have viewed your situation from my own perspective."
