I’m Someone Else

Thomas looked at the people Philip waved at. It was Beatrice and Draco. Draco was Felice’s brother. The sight of this family evoked some memories for Thomas.

Being with Felice was the happiest time of his school life, but alas, time changed a once-kind woman into a gold digger. All the time and money Thomas spent on her was a waste, but Thomas didn’t regret it. Perhaps that’s what it means to be young.

Back then, he did like Felice a lot. Even though a lot of people called him stupid, he didn’t think he did anything wrong. To like someone meant to do his best so they could be happy. He didn’t do anything wrong giving her almost all of his money.

Beatrice and Draco came closer. Beatrice looked at Thomas and smiled. “You’re taller and more muscular now. The military trains you well, I see.” Good. Money’s not the only thing he gained from the military. He’s gained a good body too. He did give us all his money, so I’d feel bad for him if money was the only thing he got.

“Felice will be here in a minute. Did you two fight? What happened? You’ve been together for eight years. Eight whole years. I don’t think you should break up over something trivial. That’d be a waste.” Felice had been hiding the truth about the breakup, so Philip had no idea what happened. He tried to ask her, but she wouldn’t say a word.

“What are you talking about, you oaf?” Beatrice chided. What does he mean that they can’t break up over something trivial? Do you want your daughter to marry a poor soldier? Are you stupid?

Even Draco said, “Yeah, Dad. You can’t say that.”

his family was chiding him. What? Did I say

isn’t something you can force. Now that you’re out of the military, you can start anew. Find someone who suits

on me. I’m no longer in the military, but so what? I might not make any money, but I’m not leeching off you. When your family was in the dumps, I was the one who pulled you out. You guys were oh-so-nice to me back then, but

to waste his time on scum like them,

“Tho—”

it!” Beatrice cut Philip off and gripped his arm

Philips gasped in pain.

of time talking to that poor pauper of

for

you to

to him. What are they doing? Why