Whenever I opened the door and said “I’m home,” the only thing I heard was my own voice. The only sound was the dripping of water from the faucet. When I got home, I immediately made instant ramen. It was my favorite daily menu. While eating, I turned on the TV. Actually, I don’t like watching TV. But I dislike the silence of every day even more. After finishing my meal, I did my homework, played some games, and then went to bed.

I lived in a village called Api. Despite living there since I was a child, I didn’t have many friends. I could count them on my fingers. It wasn’t because I had bad relationships, but because I was avoided by others. Not just children of my age, but even adults avoided me.

However, among those who didn’t avoid me was Mr. Karui, my elementary school teacher. He was a kind person. He often treated me to ramen, and I frequently played at Mr. Karui’s house. He was like a parent to me. There were also friends who became close to me – Mr. Cho and Ms. Shika. Even when everyone else avoided me, they always stayed by my side.

My father was the village chief. He was an outstanding person and dearly loved by everyone in the village. However, my parents died in an incident trying to save me. They were heroes of the village. Because they died due to me, I was hated. Wherever I went, I heard insults like “monster” or “why are you still alive”. But because of my kind friends and teacher, I somehow managed to get through those difficult days.

My parents were heroes. I want to become an outstanding person like them, recognized and loved by everyone in the village. I want to catch up to and surpass my parents. That’s why I am working hard and studying diligently now.