Frame Me Twice? No Way, Ma'am
Stanley Porter, my wife Jessica Evans’ close male friend, and I are both competing to be the next fire captain.
In my first lifetime, I was chosen by a unanimous vote. On my very first night on duty as captain, Jessica came over to the fire station to celebrate with me.
Sticking to my duties as captain, I didn't touch a single drop of alcohol. Yet, after drinking the chicken soup Jessica gave me, I fell into a deep sleep.
That night, a massive fire broke out in the old district, resulting in the deaths of 58 people.
Because I missed the station's alarm, I was accused of dereliction of duty and labeled as the main person responsible for the tragedy. The enraged families of the victims ended up beating me to death.
In my second lifetime, I withdrew my name from the selection for captain. I handed the badge over to Stanley instead, saying, "You're better suited to be captain than I am."
I'd assumed that this was enough to ensure that the fire couldn't be pinned on me.
Yet, when the authorities looked into the fire, they ended up seeing me appear in the security footage from where the fire began.
Everyone assumed I'd deliberately started the fire to get back at Stanley out of jealousy for losing out on the captain position.
I now open my eyes again to live my third life.
I watch as Stanley excitedly gives his speech on the podium after being made the captain. This time around, I submit a request for annual leave and take a cab straight to the airport.