A Simple Act of Kindness

It was a cold, rainy Tuesday. Sarah was rushing to work, her umbrella struggling against the strong wind. She was already late and feeling stressed. As she hurried down the street, she saw an elderly woman struggling with several heavy grocery bags. The woman looked tired and her face was strained. Sarah hesitated for a moment. She was late, but something inside her told her to help. She approached the woman and offered assistance. "Excuse me," Sarah said politely, "Can I help you with those bags?" The woman, surprised but grateful, accepted her offer. Sarah carried the bags to the woman's apartment building, chatting pleasantly along the way. They talked about the weather and the woman's garden. When they reached the building, the woman thanked Sarah profusely. "You've made my day," she said, her smile warm and genuine. Sarah felt a surge of happiness. It had only taken a few minutes to help, but it made a big difference to both of them. Arriving late to work wasn't so bad after all. The small act of kindness had brightened her day far more than she had expected.