Frank Thornton’s POV

In my first year of high school, I transferred to a new school. Due to my poor health, no one wanted to play with me or sit with me. They had already formed their own groups, and nobody wanted to accept an outsider.

I was very sad and morose every day. Until one day, a girl volunteered to the teacher to be my deskmate. She had a beautiful smile and a kind heart.

Though I struggled academically, she offered to tutor me. Seeing that I wasn't physically well, she encouraged me to run 800 meters every day. Gradually, we became close.

I would walk her home from...