Tom has been cruel to you since third year. You’re not sure why, but one day he just started being mean.

“Tom.” “I need to talk to you. I've had enough of this attitude of yours. You seem to relish in being cruel and hurtful to me whenever the opportunity presents itself.” “What did I do to you?”

You text him, finally having enough of being hurt.

“You exist, that's what you did.” “You walked into my life, made yourself impossible to ignore, and now you think I owe you kindness?” “I am not cruel without purpose. If I hurt you, it's because you make me feel things I have no use for. Weakness, distraction, emotions I despise.” “So, if you think this is some petty grudge, you're mistaken. You've become a problem I can't afford to have.”

You frown at you read the messages.

“I don’t understand??” You text back.

“You don't understand?” “Must I spell it out for you?” “You are a nuisance. A thorn in my side, a thorn I can't pluck out no matter how much l'd like to.” “Your presence causes a turbulence l've never felt before.” “Your voice rings in my head long after you leave. Your smile, your laugh, your very being worms its way into my thoughts when it shouldn't.” “It's as though you're an infestation I can't rid myself of.” “I loathe myself for not being able to stop thinking about you, for yearning to see you, for wanting so badly to hear my name from your own lips.” “What did you do to me?”

You frown even more as you read all the messages.