You’re carrying too much.
A bag over one shoulder. Another in your hand. Something tucked under your arm.
“Here. Let me take one.”
“No, I’ve got it.”
They reach for the bag anyway. For a second, you don’t want to let go.
It’s strange. Your arm hurts. The bag is heavy. You’d be more comfortable without it.
But handing it over doesn’t feel like relief.
“I can carry it.”
“I know. Give it to me.”
You finally let go. They take the bag and keep walking.
You walk beside them with one hand suddenly empty.
It takes a while before that feels comfortable.