When I made it to my dormitory, they helped me unpack my belongings while also gifting local delicacies to my roommates. One of them recognized me from the news and asked, “Are you the study ace that was almost replaced by someone else?”
I nodded in response.
She immediately became outraged. “I had to study like crazy to qualify for Clairefield University. If someone had taken my place, I would have
killed them.”
I smiled. “Fortunately, they didn’t succeed.”
She patted my shoulder and said, “You’re too kind.”
Nothing would have changed even if I were unkind. In my past life, they had succeeded in replacing me. Madison had assumed both my name and identity. She had lived a spectacular life while I had been in the dark the entire time. It was insulting to say the least.
A leadership camp was held on the second day of the semester. After half a month of getting used to my new surroundings, I finally adapted to
Capes 9
+25 Bonus
life as a university student.
The high school group chat was still active. Everyone was excited to share their own university experiences. Suddenly, someone sent a message that read, “Joseph committed suicide.”
The group chat went silent for a few moments before the messages flooded in. I was briefly stunned when I read the message, but I accepted the truth easily. It was a relief that he was dead, as it meant that I no longer had to carry a thorn in my heart.
If murder weren’t a crime, I would have taken care of him myself. But because it was illegal, I knew that I couldn’t dirty my own hands. I wasn’t going to involve myself with vermin in this life.
The class president sent another message. It read, “His last words were ‘I’m sorry“.”
Everyone knew who he was apologizing to. I didn’t say anything after reading the message.
I had nothing else to do but dedicate myself to my studies.
Life as a university student was great. I participated in different activities nearly every day, making for a fun and refreshing experience.
I would even camp in the library in the early mornings with my roommates. There was limited space in the library, so some students would get up at 4:00 am to save themselves a spot.
Half a year passed by in the blink of an eye. I had forgotten entirely about Joseph by then.
One day, I suddenly came upon Madison at the university entrance. She had lost a lot of weight.
When Madison noticed me, she dropped her head and scurried away. Since she had served time in prison, her future was bleak. But her fate didn’t concern me. She had to face the consequences of her actions.
I had finally reclaimed justice for myself in this life.
C
