"How have I offended you? What's the matter with you?"
Nancy, who had been knocked out, regained consciousness, blinked her eyes to focus, and then responded to my question.
"You, as an individual, have managed to irritate me in every conceivable way."
Nancy stood up, dusted off her skirt, and spoke matter-of-factly, "Before your arrival, I was the school's top student, winning prizes in all major competitions.
"After you came, you entered every contest I participated in.
"If you weren't as good as me, it wouldn't have been an issue."
Her tone suddenly became animated.
"But you're like an unexpected pest, always outperforming me and claiming first place in every award instead of me.
"The star status I had built up was gradually overshadowed by you."
I was astounded by her audacity and insecurity. "There are many exceptional individuals in the world. If everyone behaved like you, how would others cope?! Nancy, you've lost your mind!"