Chapter 3

He could see clearly that I was kind and gentle to everyone—everyone except him, the monster I knew he was.

Because of his serious injuries, the school nurse sent him to the hospital. After a few days, Rolf Wagner came back to school with his hand wrapped in bandages. He worked hard in my classes, raising his hand to answer questions, but I always ignored him. Even when he won first place in the school computer competition, I gave him no praise.

His enthusiasm gradually dimmed. One day, he approached me and asked, "Mrs. Gregory, why can't I earn your approval no matter how hard I try?"

I slightly swiveled in my office chair, not even looking at him. If showing mercy and compassion results in betrayal, then I didn’t mind being the villain. As long as I can protect myself.

"Because you're unworthy. Some things can't be changed with effort. Your disgusting heart is far uglier than your face," I said, feeling justified. Just days ago, on my way home, I caught him torturing a stray cat. By the time I saw it, the poor kitten had been scalded to death with boiling water. He had smiled and said, "That little cat-so naughty! It scratched me."

And back to the moment, Rolf Wagner glared at me, his hand clenching slightly under his sleeve.

I didn’t care and continued to treat him coldly.

Even the headmaster noticed and frowned while reminding me, "Mrs. Gregory, treat all students equally. Don’t be harsh on him; he needs extra care."

But I didn’t hide my disdain. Right in front of Rolf, I said, "What’s so special about him? He is no different from the other kids. If I treated him differently, would that be fair to the other students?"

As a result, he began to hate me, spreading rumors about an improper relationship between me and the principal. However, whenever he saw me, he still put on a smile and greeted me.

As fall turned to winter, he started wearing shabby jackets and torn jeans, sticking out in our well-dressed student body. I heard he lost his parents young and was raised by his grandmother, who spoiled him rotten.

On my twenty-fifth birthday, I was awarded the title of Outstanding Teacher at the city level—a double celebration.

I had a great relationship with my students, making this job something I loved deeply.

A few students pooled their money to buy me a beautiful, grand bouquet, which I accepted with a smile.

Just as I was laughing and chatting with the students, I saw an unexpected guest in the crowd. Rolf came up to give me a flower as well.

He handed me a single white rose, its petals crushed and oozing sap—a hideous sight.

"Mrs. Gregory, I saved up my allowance for a week to buy this for you. Please like it," he said, full of hope.

But I, with my smile gone, took a tissue, picked up the flower with it, and tossed it to the ground in front of all the teachers and students. I wrinkled my nose in disdain.

"Gross."

Rolf’s mouth quivered, but he still bent down to pick up the flower and walked away silently.

His brooding gaze sent chills down my spine, but I didn’t turn back.

I wasn’t afraid of his hatred. He always directed his anger toward those weaker than him, while he feared the strong.