Amara was deeply spiritual.

She attended mass regularly, always took part in missions and often shared words of faith. She was the first to say “God Bless” and “Take care,” the first to act like the most pious person to ever walk the earth.

She spoke softly, almost too softly but her sarcasm cut like sharp hidden in silk. It wasn’t just how she spoke. It was how she looked at you, as if she already knew your flaws.

To be fair Amara is also generous. She’d bring food to share, offer small gifts, even help with work when others wouldn’t lift a finger. But it was hard to trust her completely because her kindness came with sharp edges. You never knew which version of her you’d get.

She once offered to help a lady in the office with something work related, That woman had been stressed and overwhelmed, and was honestly grateful someone was offering support.”Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” she said softly.

But later, Amara messaged her, made it clear that her help came with expectations.

So … “do I have a share of that?”

It wasn’t exactly a joke.

That’s when the lady realized – it was never pure help. It was kindness wrapped in conditions.

She loved to be acknowledged. She carried herself like royalty, graceful, pleasant, composed. But beyond that poised persona was a woman who made others feel small especially when her pride was scratched. If someone said something honest that didn’t sit well with her ego, She’d go completely silent. No replies. No eye contact. No greetings.

Except sometimes- she’d still greet the lady.

Good Morning Ma’am- She’s say. Smiling- but not with her eyes. It wasn’t respect.

It was a mockery dressed as manners.

And when things went wrong even if it was clearly her fault, she was never the one to apologize. She’d shift the story so smoothly, so convincingly, that the others started to believe it was someone else’s mistake.

The lady watched her wash her hands of so many things- just not in the genuine way she pretended.

Once, she even said sorry to the lady. For a second, the lady thought maybe she was wronged about her. Maybe Amara really meant it. Then came the second sentence- completely contradicting the apology. It wasn’t apology it was a polite way of placing the blame.

The lady used to admire Amara.

Now the lady just see her as someone, desperately trying to appear righteous, while quietly punishing anyone who sees the cracks. She said it was help, yet she asked to be compensated.

The Lady learned a hard truth: what looks like kindness isn’t always what it seems. When help comes with strings attached, it’s less about generosity and more about control.

Moral take aways: Kindness that demands repayment is no kindness at all. True generosity is silent, patient and unconditional.

-© 2025 Eorie Faye. All Rights Reserved.