Jason is a big idiot. Okay, I shouldn't have yelled at him like that after what he went through but how can he just walk away like that? Why did I come to visit him? Did he really ask me that? I even wore this stupid dress; he probably did not even notice.
Why is he always so cold to me? Most of the time, he just gives me one word or vague replies. Like hello, I'm trying my best here, why are you so dense? Someone like him, I don't need him. I don't need him.
If only that were true, I just can't be myself when I'm around him. I get so nervous and start talking too much. Maybe that's why he doesn't like me. Will things ever be normal between us?
Ever since that day three summers ago, my views on Jason changed. Jason and I were told to collect rent from the refugee camps. The refugees were from neighbouring nations. Intense war and rebel activity forced them to take refuge in Amphibia. It's not like Amphibia is any better though. The refugees got treated like slaves. Amphibians made them work for free, providing them with only a meal a day as compensation.
None of the other numbers really care about others in need. They all think they're some kind of royalty. Except him, expect Jason. I heard he tries to use only a tenth of his strength so he doesn't kill anybody. The other numbers looked at this as a sign of weakness but I saw this as a sign of courage.
So when I was partnered up with Jason for the first time in this rent collection mission; I was curious to find out what kind of person he really is.
When we got to the refugee site, Jason's face was filled with shock. When I asked him what was wrong, he said:
"I never thought it would look like this. All I see is garbage everywhere. Why are we treating them so badly?"
Finally! Someone who understands me. Someone who has a human heart because clearly none of the other numbers have one.
We collect all the rent and just as we were about to leave a small boy holds Jason's hand. Jason looked at the boy and for a second I was scared he would hurt him.
Instead Jason picks the boy up and gives him a warm smile.
Without meaning to, I smile too.
"Here, have an apple kid. You guys look like you can use some help around here. Let's make a deal. Promise me that you'll work hard and become a nice man and I'll come by whenever I can. I'll help build you guys a nice community and bring food over so you guys can stay healthy. Do we have a deal?" asks Jason.
"Okay," says the boy.
Jason releases the boy and he runs over to his friends to share his apple.
"Did you mean that?" I asked.
"Yeah, I have a goal you know. I think all these rebel groups exist because of how unfair this world is. That's why I'm going to stop all of them and show them that we can learn to share. The world should recognize everybody as equals but in order to get to that stage we have to stop the rebel groups first and make them see reason. Until that day comes, I'll never stop giving it my all," Jason announces.
"Do you really think it's possible?"
Jason laughs brightly and says, "You'll never know if you don't try."
At that moment, my heart did that thing, it kept doing that thing. Oh my god, my heart is going to explode. At that moment, I realized it.
I like this boy, I like him so much.