A few hours later the darkening sky warned me it was getting close to my curfew. "I'll see you guys tomorrow, I've got to get going." I announced. "Aw, come on Cami, the party's just begun." Chris replied. I retrieved my bag and pulled on my shoes. "Sorry Chris, if I don't leave now I'll never make it back for curfew." I started up the steep hill that overlooked the town. "Wait Carmen, I'll go with ya. My house is on the way." Teddy decided. "Make sure she gets home alright Duchamp." Chris commanded. "Don't worry Chris, I'll be just fine." I reassured. Once we waved our farewells, we were off. The lengthy trip back home did not exactly soot me at this very moment, nor did the awkward silence between Teddy and I; the only sound that could be heard was the crunching of branches under our feet. "You really don't see it do you?" Teddy suddenly spoke. His question had set me off guard and I stood there in bewilderment. "See what?" Teddy chuckled hoarsely. "My deformity." He pulled his blonde strands away from the side of his head and revealed one of his crippled ears. "What about it? I asked. Teddy stared at me as if I were deranged. "Are you serious? My ears are practically melted off and yet you don't make some disgusted remake?" He spat, anger and agitation growing inside him. "Teddy, I don't see anything worth my disgust, and for your information I noticed your ears were like that yesterday." He paused, pure confusion engulfing him. We stood there, and for a good moment no one spoke; brief contact with the wind on my legs and the roar of passing cars indicated to me we were close to the road, close to home. "Then why did you accept me like you did with the others?" He whispered. I honestly didn't know why he was making such a big deal about this, and quite frankly it was irritating hearing him talk about himself like that. "Teddy, why the hell wouldn't I accept you? I see nothing disgusting, horrific, or sickening about you or your ears. No one in this world is perfect nor will there ever. I'm tired of hearing you put yourself down, you're just as important as anyone else." I hissed. Pure shock displayed itself on Teddy's face; he obviously wasn't expecting my response. I suddenly felt bad for my outburst. "Look Teddy, from what I've seen, you're a great person. You have nothing to feel bad about, even your ears. Whatever happened wasn't your fault and if anyone makes fun of you for it then they're not worth your time." We had begun walking again and we were almost to our destination when he chuckled. "Carmen, that's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me." I smiled. "Don't ever let someone tell you otherwise." We had reached our houses and I glanced up at him. "Goodnight Teddy." His glasses reflected the shining moon upon them. "Sweet dreams Carmen." He whispered. I left Teddy standing on the side walk, turning back only to wave goodbye to him, something other than the moon glowing in his eyes.