Dane Odegaard

"The conflict..."

The conflict that had arisen within Jake confused his perception of reality. He had never experienced this situation before; it was as if two sides, opposing forces, had inhabited his soul and were waging war inside of him. His tendency to do whatever he wanted, to do what he felt like doing regardless of who his actions affected, was repulsed by the young, and seemingly friendless, freshman’s attitude. It was as if this boys soul had attacked Jake’s and unshackled a side of Jake’s self that had lain dormant. His ability to care and discern the feelings of other, rather than just his own feelings, was activated within him. The young freshman had been the target of many of Jake’s snide remarks and teasing character, yet had responded in a completely uncommon fashion. It was not a response of rejection of rejection or hatred, but one that thoroughly confused Jake. It was kindness and love, and he couldn’t understand where such a response had originated from, and why it had caused such inner turmoil. This boys contrary act of love had shattered his view of life. How could such a “nobody”, a person who seemingly had nothing, affect “somebody” like himself. Up till now, he believed that he had everything at his fingertips: he had all the friends he needed, he was popular, and he had a nice car. Yet this young freshman didn’t seem to care about the things that he had. It was almost as if he truly cared for Jake himself. This had been a gradual process: weeks upon weeks of this seemingly unusual behavior. Yet to Jake, it had been an epiphany, like a flash of lightening, or a sudden blow struck by an unknown enemy…..or was it a friend?