I Never Should've Saved You
When I was nine, I was hit by the blast of an explosion while saving Simone Scott.
From that day onward, I have to rely on hearing aids to get by.
Overwhelmed with guilt, she suggests we get engaged and swears to me with teary eyes, "Justin, I'll take care of you for the rest of my life."
But at 18 years old, to satisfy a dare from the school heartthrob, she rips off my hearing aid and humiliates me in front of him and our classmates.
Disgust fills her voice as she says, "You're nothing but a burden. I've been sick of you for a long time. I wish you'd died back then instead of being saved."
I clutch the hearing recovery report in my hand and say nothing.
After that, I quietly change my college applications, bring my parents with me, and formally call off the engagement.
Simone, this is where our paths split.
There is no reason for us to ever see each other again.