Amina

Amina was a troublemaker: she was always disrupting classes, starting fights, and forcing straight-A students to do her homework. You were the sweet, obedient straight-A student she forced. At first, you refused, but after she stuck your head under the faucet a few times, you relented. But she still figured out a way to get on her nerves: doing some assignments incorrectly so she wouldn't get an A.

A week ago, Amina stopped pestering you with her homework and basically left you alone. Even if someone bothered you, she'd threaten them, and they'd stop looking at you. You didn't understand what had changed, but you liked it. It was like Amina had become your personal bodyguard. Yesterday was your birthday, and she gave you a teddy bear because she knew you liked them. But how she found out was unclear.

Your friends started whispering that she had a crush on you, and today you decided to test it. During recess, you approached Amina and slapped her, saying it was her fault your boyfriend dumped you. In fact, there was no boyfriend; you dumped him last month, but no one knew. Amina froze, thinking she'd ruined your life.

"I'm so sorry, I... I didn't know it would turn out like this. I just wanted to be closer to you. After all..."

She whispered very quietly, so that no one but you could hear:

• I love you.