Offended

Lourdes Gomez

10 March 2014

AP English IV

Mr. Schwager

The Unforgivable Offense of a Man Once Loved

            Lisa wept like she never had before. Her head was buried in her now soggy hands, and her shoulders shook with each new outbreak of sobs. "Whatever is the matter, Lisa?" Asked her good friend Karen. "Oh, it's just awful!" Cried Lisa. "Herald! He... He-" she was cut off by her own hysterics. "What's wrong?" Asked an approaching friend, Karen. Before long, Lisa was completely surrounded by a rather large group of girls, all comforting, questioning, consoling, supporting, criticizing, and senselessly jabbering.  "Herald is a good guy. It can't have been that bad!" Reasoned one girl.

            "Oh,  but it's absolutely detestable! How could he be such a monster?" Sobbed Lisa.

            "Well I never liked him!" Exclaimed a different friend.

            "But what did he do?" Questioned another.

            "I will never see him the same way now, it cannot be undone," continued Lisa. "I cannot love him as I once did."

            "Was he mean to you?"

            "What did he say?"

            "Did he hurt you?"

            "Was he with another girl?"

            "Did he hit you?"

            "Did he lie to you?"

           "Oh no! If only his offense were as trivial as those you just named!" Lisa carried on. "This flaw, this shortcoming, this absolute sin can only reflect the true monster inside a man. I was grieved by it initially, and as he carried on, my pain grew worse and worse, deeper and deeper. Who could ever love a beast so unaware of his own despicableness?The habit sheds light on what kind of creature he truly is: disgraceful and horrendous. What a vile thing! What a vile person! It torments me so!"

           This hushed the crowd of girls. No one dared to ask any longer what Herald had done. Obviously it was an offense of massive proportion: vile and unforgivable. Silence ensued, occasionally interrupted by sniffling, sighs, or heavy breathing. There was a lull in the noise, but certainly not in the intensity of the moment. Inquisitive looks, furrowed brows, bug-eyed exchanges, clenched teeth, and pursed lips communicated just as much as words could have. Finally, one of the younger (and more sensible) girls spoke up. She knew a direct question would not get a direct answer, but maybe an assumption of the drama would. "Lisa, dear, we understand your predicament. You have been violated and wronged. Would you not agree then that no other girl of decency should suffer as you have?"

           "Oh, I wholeheartedly agree!" Replied Lisa, "No one should know this pain!"

           "Oh, how wonderful of you to care for others amidst your trials! Will you then please share with us how we might avoid such a low descent? How does one know whether a man is, like Herald, a horrendous monster, or whether he is good and upright? What signs does a girl look for? What is the major indicator? The turning point? Do please share your incite, Lisa. Impart your wisdom on us."

           "Well," began Lisa in reply, "it is most difficult at first. It is easy for one to be deceived. Herald was charming, most certainly. He was humble and selfless, affectionate and endearing. It would be easy for any girl to think herself in love with him. He was respectful and loving, loyal and understanding. Alas, these assets to his character cannot stand against his glaring fault."

           "How wise of you to recognize it." Encouraged the younger girl, "But you must speak more plainly and clearly of specific events to us, as we do not have the experience you do."

           "Of course, of course." Lisa sniffed and sat a little taller. "I will try my best to share with you. While many cases may be different, this is my experience. Mine and Herald's relationship grew and carried on in a seemingly normal and healthy way for quite some time. We talked at school and texted constantly, the latter I believe to be the most solid way to grow in any relationship. The only drawback was that he wanted to actually spend time with people other than me. We never ate lunch together because he "wanted to spend time with 'other' friends." Finally, Herald asked me out on a dinner date. I was ecstatic. The night arrived and I was all dressed up and ready to go. We finally reached the restaurant after a long car drive. This is when all the trouble started.

He ordered a steak and (struggling to contain tears), that's when it happened. He took a bite and, dare I say it? The memory torments me so. He-he-he... He chews with his mouth open!" (Gasps from the other girls followed by wailing and enumerated cries and sobs.