Julia was hailed as the “most beautiful soul in the nation,” and silk banners honoring her supposed bravery flooded into our home.
Amid the frenzy, Julia released a video statement, full of righteous declarations.
"I didn’t save him expecting anything in return," she said. "Even if it were a child from an ordinary family, I would have done the same. How could anyone stand by in a moment like that?"
Her words solidified her image as a kind-hearted heroine, and the internet erupted with praise.
Meanwhile, I was in a state of panic.
Fearing the storm Julia’s lies would bring, I moved my name out of the family household registry that very night.
When I returned to pack my belongings, I found my parents basking in their newfound glory. Their pride was so palpable that they practically floated with every step.
The two of them held up their phones, scrolling through the messages online, laughing endlessly. It was as if they could already see themselves being hailed as the benefactors of the Kramer family.
I stayed quiet, ignoring their smugness, and focused on heading back to my room to pack my luggage.