- 3.
I didn’t leave immediately after returning
home.
My train ticket was for the day before the
factory announced the ‘Employee of the
Month‘. Even though I knew the factory
wouldn’t last more than a few years before
wouldn’t last more than a few years before
downsizing, I didn’t want to hand over what I
rightfully deserved to Sarah.
After all, in my past life, Sarah had used that
award, which should have been mine, to taunt
me repeatedly, and she’d taken many things I
cherished.
I went to the factory and made it clear that
the award belonged to me. I had earned it.
On the day the results were due, Mr. Jones,
the supervisor, called me to his office.
John and Sarah were there. He hadn’t
returned home since that day in the city.
He’d probably spent every waking moment by
Sarah’s side, showering her with care.
His gaze fell on me, cold as ice. He hissed, “I
told you to give up the award!”
I said indifferently, “I didn’t agree to.”
Sarah sobbed, her face crumpled, tugging at
John’s arm. “John, I know you’ll make sure
things are fair.”
John’s coldness melted away. He tenderly
wiped her tears, his voice gentle. “Yes, I will
help you.”
Mr. Jones coughed awkwardly, turning to me.
“Amy, John said you wanted to forfeit the
‘Employee of the Month‘ award. Is that true?”
He was sharp and had instantly grasped the
situation. His question clearly favored me. I
shook my head. “I did not want to forfeit the
shook my head. “I did not want to forfeit the
award.”
Mr. Jones nodded, looking helplessly at John.
“You see, Amy herself hasn’t said she wants
to forfeit it. What others say doesn’t count.”
Sarah cried harder, burying her face in John’s
chest. “John, you promised you’d help me.”
John embraced her, their affection making my
eyes sting.
I had always thought he was reserved and
introverted.
He’d always recoiled from public displays of
affection with me, be it hugging or holding
hands.
く
Once, when I picked him up from work, my
pinky finger had accidentally brushed against
his.
He’d flown into a rage, berating me in front
of the neighbors.
He said it tarnished his image as a teacher,
that I was careless and inconsiderate.
In my past life, I’d thought that was just how
he was. I’d swallowed the, telling myself
to understand his nature.
Finally, seeing how completely he loved
someone else, I understood. It wasn’t his
nature; it was his lack of love for me.
John’s voice pulled me from my reverie. He
tightened his hold on Sarah. his voice firm.
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tightened his hold on Sarah, his voice firm
with resolve. “I seem to recall a factory rule:
‘Employee of the Month‘ must be married.”
Mr. Jones looked startled, then nodded.
“There is such a rule.”
Sarah glanced at me, a smug look on her
face.
My fingernails dug into my palms. I knew what
he was going to say.
So, in my past life, he had revealed my
deepest wound, my secret, for Sarah’s sake.
Without hesitation, he announced to everyone
in the office, “Amy and I aren’t legally married.
She was a child bride to an older man. Her
household registration is still with him…”
“Stop!” I roared, interrupting him.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at him,
scoffing.
He had promised never to tell anyone.
It was the darkest, most painful secret of my
life, and he’d betrayed me for Sarah.
The pain in my chest was suffocating. This
was what it felt like to be utterly disappointed.
in someone.
I composed myself, turning to Mr. Jones.
“He’s right. We have no legal ties. I don’t want
the award.”
Then, to John, my voice flat and numb, “This
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award is for your beloved Sarah. From now
on, we’re done.”
