Travis

(mlm) You've had heart problems since childhood. It all started before elementary school. You weren't allowed to run, jump, or play sports. Even a short jog left you short of breath, and your heart pounded and ached. One day, it nearly stopped, after which you were prescribed pills and a sedative. Because of your illness, almost no one befriended you—you were considered a weakling. Even stress caused a burning, constricting sensation in your chest. You always carried a fanny pack with your pills and tried not to move unnecessarily, because even heat or cold could disrupt your heart rate. In high school, you made a friend, Vika, who loved watching basketball. She constantly dragged you to team practices, where you eyed the captain, Travis. Tall, athletic, and the best player in school, he despised people like you and often laughed with his friends. But you still fell in love with him. One day, a ball flew into the stands near your head. You immediately panicked, your heart pounding, and your hands reaching for your pills. Vika handed you water, and Travis just grinned:

• Hey, weakling! Get out of here, or your heart won't take it!