Losing My Childhood Crush's Love

I requested a change in my art studio and, to my dismay, ended up sharing it with Emily Young.

She smiled at me, polite and friendly, but there was a glint in her eyes that I didn’t like – one I recognized all too well.

It was the same look those who used to bully me had in their eyes.

I kept my distance.

Recently, the school announced an international painting competition with a hefty cash prize for the winners, something I was very interested in.

I had a piece ready.

Emily was asked by the teacher to collect the entries, so I handed mine over without a second thought.

That afternoon, the submissions were posted on the school’s website.

To my shock, my painting was listed, but under Emily’s name.

My head spun, and I immediately sought out the teacher in charge, only to find several teachers gathered around my painting, singing its praises.

And there, sitting before my work, was Emily.

“This is exceptional. The level of detail rivals that of some masters. How did you come up with the idea to paint a child like this?”

Emily smiled.

“My mother once told me I had an older brother, but he didn’t survive. I’ve always wondered what it would’ve been like to have him around. Would he have been the kind of brother who’d always protect me?

“I’ve never seen him, but I imagine he’d look like this, so I painted him.”

“That’s not your brother in the painting! It’s a little girl!” I shouted, furious.

All the teachers turned to me, disapproving looks on their faces.

“Which class are you in? How rude!”