She Regretted Stealing My Insulin

The Choice

Selene hesitated when she saw how flushed my face had become. She crouched down and tried to lift me up. "Is it really that bad?"

I was about to answer when Adrian suddenly burst into loud, theatrical sobs.

He looked at me as if I had committed some unforgivable crime. "Julian, how could you do this? I bought those imported premium energy bars for you because you're Selene's boyfriend. They're packed with nutrients and marketed as super healthy."

His voice cracked as he went on. "How could they possibly make you react like this?"

His eyes grew red, his tone wobbling with every word. "Are you trying to frame me? Make it look like I hurt you on purpose? I know you don't like me, but you can't go after me like this."

Then, he turned to Selene with shimmering eyes. "Selene, we've known each other for years. You of all people should know what kind of person I am. You said it yourself that you treat me like family and that, besides your parents, no one comes before me.

"So, today you have to choose. Are you choosing your family or your boyfriend?"

Selene panicked immediately and rushed to comfort him, letting go of me in the process. "Of course I believe you! This one's on me. I spoiled him too much. I'll make him apologize to you."

Her sudden release sent me crashing to the ground. Gravel scattered under me, and a few sharp pieces nearly scraped into my eyes.

Everyone around us swarmed toward Adrian to console him.

"Adrian, don't cry. We all know you'd never do something like that."

"Seriously. This guy is way too dramatic. Selene, what do you even see in him?"

"He's clearly picking a fight just to push you away from Adrian."

Selene cupped Adrian's face with both hands, comforting him with a softness I remembered all too well. It was the same tenderness she'd shown me when she confessed her feelings.

Yet now, I, the actual boyfriend, was left abandoned outside their small circle of sympathy.

My vision blurred further. Through the dizziness, I spotted their backpacks a short distance away. My medication might have been hidden in one of them.

I dragged myself forward inch by inch, every breath burning my lungs. My fingers stretched toward the closest strap.

I was one inch away when a heavy hiking boot came down out of nowhere, grinding into the back of my hand. It was Adrian's boot.

A shock of pain shot up my arm and forced a groan out of me.

He flinched theatrically, letting out an exaggerated gasp. "Oh! Sorry! I didn't mean to. But Julian, why was your hand under my shoe? Is this another trick to frame me?"

He sounded pitiful and wounded, but the smug glint on his face told the truth. He was doing it on purpose. But no one else saw his expression. His back shielded him. Whatever explanation I gave, not a soul would believe me.

My chest tightened with rage and helplessness.

He pressed down harder. My illness had already drained me of strength, so I couldn't pull my hand free. All I could do was feel each bone in my fingers grind against the rocks. I didn't even have the strength left to cry out.

When I stayed silent, he pouted, annoyed. "Julian, why aren't you saying anything? I already apologized. Isn't that enough for you? What, do you want me to get on my knees and beg before you'll let it go?"

The noise drew Selene over. She walked toward us with a deepening frown.

Adrian casually pulled his foot back.

Selene didn't spare a single glance at my swollen hand. Instead, she yanked Adrian behind her and snapped at me with cold fury. "Julian, have you caused enough trouble? I haven't even dealt with what you did earlier, and now you're starting again? Do you need everyone here to be miserable before you'll stop?"

She looked down at me from above, as if I were some criminal awaiting judgment. "Apologize to Adrian right now."