In Margaret Atwood's "Stone Mattress: Nine Tales," a complex relationship unfolds where one character grapples with feelings of resentment. Despite attempts to conceal her emotions, it becomes evident that the resentment is there, suggesting that prolonged sympathy can lead to negative feelings towards the afflicted individual. This dynamic reveals a darker side of human emotions, where kindness can shift to bitterness.

The quote highlights the precarious balance between empathy and personal feelings of offense. The idea that someone’s struggles can transform into perceived malice points to the emotional toll that caregiving or sympathy can take. It emphasizes the fragility of relationships, where prolonged exposure to another’s suffering can lead to a growing sense of frustration and resentment, complicating what should be a supportive bond.