Zero Trace

Summary

I bought a mini-fridge out of the goodness of my heart to help a student store her medication.

Two weeks later, the medicine spoiled.

She collapsed in the classroom, leaving her permanently disabled.

Her parents protested at the school gates, weeping and hoisting banners that read, "Heartless teacher ruined our daughter!"

I took care of her for ten agonizing years, but it was never enough. They demanded I marry her and support her for the rest of her life.

I had a girlfriend whom I was forced to leave behind.

On the way to her wedding, I suffered a sudden heart attack.