The Stranger I Once Loved

Synopsis

Back in college, I supported Ethan Hayes financially for three years. The day my family went bankrupt, I made him stay one last night. That night, the hotel fire injured me, costing half my face and three days in a coma. I dragged myself out of bed to see Ethan first thing. Outside Ethan's hospital room, his friends laughed and talked loudly. Someone began, "She was ugly before, now disfigured and broke, she suits Ethan even less." Another one continued, "Didn't you apply for an exchange abroad? It's the perfect chance to drop that ugly girl. Why are you still with her?" Ethan's familiar, cold voice sounded, "It was just for fun." I stood frozen, staring at my reflection in the glossy tile, a ruined face disfigured by fire. It felt like a cold hole in my chest, sinking my aching heart. I left Harbor City, sure I'd never see him again. Someone recommended me for a tutoring job in the wealthy part of town to earn my daughter's tuition, and I ran into him again. He was gently telling Ben, "I'm off to work. Listen to your teacher, okay?" Five years passed. He had a family, and I healed my scars and refined my face. He turned and nodded at me, unaware of who I was.