Simon always believed this year would be different. After promising himself and his parents that he'd excel, especially in math, he faced the moment of truth — the release of exam results. Full of nervous anticipation, he clung to the belief that he'd rank first.
But the cruel twist of fate? He ranked last.
Laughter from classmates echoed like daggers through his mind. The humiliation was public, brutal, and immediate. For a twenty-year-old fighting for self-worth and redemption, it wasn't just a failed test — it was a collapsed world. His confidence, already fragile, shattered in seconds. He questioned everything:
"Am I really that much of a failure? Is there anything I'm truly capable of achieving?"
Before he could catch his breath, another emotional wave hit — a text from Violet, the girl who once held his heart.
"It's been a while since we went on a date, Simon."
Those words stirred something within him. Maybe, just maybe, this day wouldn't be all bad. Maybe she would remind him of something worth holding onto.
Their meeting was soft at first, nostalgic. For a moment, it felt like things might get better.
But Violet had a question — a test of a different kind:
"Do you still love me, Simon?"
"Of course," he replied without hesitation.
Then came her real concern:
"Can I check your phone to be sure you're loyal to me?"
Simon froze. A thousand sacrifices flashed in his mind. The way he had distanced himself from all other girls, stayed true in thoughts and actions — all meaningless in that instant.
"So you don't trust me?" he asked.
He wasn't angry. Just… defeated.
"I've always avoided even looking at other girls… not because I was afraid, but because I didn't want to betray you. But I guess that means nothing."
Violet apologized.
But apologies couldn't repair what had been broken.
He walked home with heavy steps. This day had stripped him bare — from academic dreams to emotional bonds.
It wasn't just a bad day. It was a collapse of ideals.
He realized a painful truth:
"Loyalty… sometimes feels like betraying yourself for people who wouldn't do the same for you."
As he reached the door, another voice entered his life — this time through a phone call.
"Simon! It's me, John. I've missed you, man. I've got so much to tell you!"
John's voice felt like sunlight after a storm.
"Do you know what loyalty really means, John?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Let's talk about it when we meet…"
And with that, the chapter closes on Simon's lowest point — but perhaps, just perhaps, a new beginning is brewing.