13
“Thank God for that live stream. Without it, we’d never have uncovered all this filth beneath the surface.”
During winter break, I visited Ethan Monroe in prison.
The once–dashing heartthrob now sported a buzz cut, his lips cracked, and dark circles sunk deep into his hollowed face.
“What are you doing here?” he spat, his voice hoarse.
“I came to see if your little bet paid off, I said with a smirk. “Did you four win? Or does the fact that you lost mean I’m the only one who came out victorious?”
Ethan’s eyes widened in disbelief. “How do you know about the bet?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh, Ethan, I didn’t just know about the bet. I also know that your life in here is far worse than death. How’s your… uh, backside holding up?”
“You four loved treating others as playthings to pass the time. So, how does it feel now? Being someone else’s toy? Enjoying the new experience?”
Ethan’s composure shattered. He slammed his fists on the table, his voice rising hysterically. “This was all your doing! Every bit of it! You set me up! You’re the real criminal here! Arrest her!”
I sat there calmly, watching him unravel, his desperation on full display.
“Ethan,” I said, my tone even, “did it never cross your mind, while you were treating others as objects, that karma might eventually catch up to
“Ethan, do you remember the first day we met? You told me you thought my name was beautiful and asked me to have dinner with you.”
He blinked, his bloodshot eyes narrowing as he tried to follow my words.
“I said yes, I continued. “But there’s one thing I never told you about that day.”
His parched voice cracked as he forced out the question. “What was it?”
“I said, ‘Yes, because someday I’ll eat your last meal.”
Ethan’s face twisted with rage. “Rhea, I was only sentenced to twenty years. Maybe I won’t even serve the full term. What if I find you again before then?”
I couldn’t help but laugh at his ignorance.
“Do you really think he will let you walk out of here alive? His daughter’s video the chance to leave prison?”
is still circulating online. Do you honestly believe he’ll give you
Ethan froze, his mouth falling open, the phone slipping from his trembling hand.
Perhaps he still hadn’t realized why I had chosen May 20th. That day marked his 18th birthday–the day he officially became an adult and could be held fully accountable for his actions.
I didn’t bother saying anything else. I stood, turned, and walked out of the prison without looking back.
The $150,000 St. Augustine Academy had paid me? I donated every cent to charity, along with all the earnings from my social media account.
The universe had given me a second chance, and I was determined to use it to make a difference.
As I stepped outside, the sunlight warmed my face.
Life isn’t always easy, but when you start running, the wind will follow.
And simply being alive? That, in itself, makes me luckier than most.
