Aaron Nieson

“I don’t know what else I can do,” complained Emilia. “I’ve tried everything. I mean, I’m mean! I’m downright cruel! And I know they still want me.”

“I know, I know,” said Roberta. “Me too.”

“They know I’m going to burn them. I will ruin them! Make them regret ever laying eyes on me, but they. Still. Want. Me.”

“Maybe they’re masochists,” suggested Roberta. “You know, they enjoy the pain. They like being treated like garbage. I can’t really think of any other reasonable explanation.”

“I don’t want to do it,” lamented Emilia. “I don’t like that I’m like this. But it’s my nature. I wish that I was different. I don’t like hurting people, I just can’t seem to help it.”

“Same here, hermana. What are you going to do? Some people’s vicious burn is another person’s delicious spice.”

They searched for a solution, but before they could find a way to circumvent their nature, a man came by and plucked the peppers from the vine.