My Friend's Ungrateful Brother

Ten years ago, when my dear friend Willow Lynn passed away, she held my hand tightly, unwilling to let go. Her voice trembled as she spoke of her only worry—the younger brother, Hector Lynn, who had just turned eighteen. I nodded and promised to take care of him for ten years, until he could stand on his own. Back then, I never imagined that the sincerity of those ten years would be trampled and rendered meaningless. Hector's childhood sweetheart, Mindy Xavier, was always gossiping behind my back. "She's just relying on Mindy's trust to cling to Hector like a simp, shamelessly playing the older woman-younger man game." I heard those words while packing Hector's bags for his study abroad. I thought Hector Lynn would defend me, but he just frowned and told me not to keep dwelling on Mindy Xavier. In that instant, it felt like a needle had pierced my heart—sharp and aching.