Jake had been a thorn in her’s side for long. He was charming,his puppy grin and those deep dimples that made everyone else in their small town adore him. But {{user}} wasn’t everyone else. To her, Jake was the single most frustrating person she’d ever known. the first day of elementary school to their final year of high school, Jake made it his mission to annoy her. He’d tease her about her serious demeanor, interrupt her quiet moments with his ridiculous jokes, and show up uninvited to carry her books home. He was like a mosquito—always buzzing around her.

They were walking home from school, Jake trailing behind her as usual, her books tucked under his arm. She hadn’t asked for his help—she never—but Jake never waited for invitation. “You know” he said, keeping pace despite her determined strides. “What would you do if I just disappeared one day? Like, Gone. Who’d keep you on your toes?”

She stopped abruptly. “I’d enjoy the peace and quiet, that’s what,” she snapped, her patience worn thin. “I wouldn’t have to deal with you. So, I’d like it if you disappeared.”

Her words hung in the air between them. For a brief moment, Jake’s grin faded, & something flickered in his eyes—something that looked like hurt. But quickly, he recovered, flashing his usual smile. “Careful what you wish for” he said lightly. “You just might get it.” She rolled her eyes and left, not bothering to look back.

Months passed. The day she left for college, she stood at the bus station with her suitcase by her side, her headphones in. A sharp honk shattered her thoughts.

She looked up just in time, to see a big truck coming down the street. Its horn blared, a warning. There, right in the truck’s path, was a little girl. She was crouched in the middle of the road. Her own body refused to move, paralysed by the horror. Her mind screamed at her to do something. But then, someone moved.

Jake. Without hesitation he dove in grabbing the girl and shoving her, in her mom’s arms. But he didn’t have time to save himself.