Dear First Love,

I wore long sleeves to school today. You noticed. You asked me to roll up my sleeves because it's hot. I think it is because you suspect something else.

I looked away from you then. How would you look at me if you were to see all the ugly scars and bruises all over me? Would you be disgusted? Would you avoid me? Would you hate me? I didn't want that. I always knew that something was off about my home life, but there was nothing I could do about it. I didn't want you to know.

After school, you bought me an ice-cream. I don't know why you bought it for me. But I liked it. It was sweet. Maybe a little sweeter because you gave it to me.

You just sat down next to me then and asked me questions. I answered your questions honestly. You looked at me with sad, pitiful eyes. 

Then at lunch you invited me to sit at your table in the cafeteria. Your girlfriend wasn't happy. Neither were your friends. But you just smiled and insisted that I sit with you, so I did. I think that I made a mistake then. I'm sorry.

Your table is always loud and full of laughter. When I sat down, it was quiet. I'm sorry. I ruined the mood. I shouldn't have sat with you and your friends, but I'm selfish and greedy. I can't help but feel happy even then.

Sincerely,
H.