[ WP ] Describe a universe where a personal stat is displayed above everyone 's head . One can see everyone else 's stat except their own . Talking about the stat is strongly taboo . Reveal what the stat represents at the end .

The numbers above our heads are a blessing and a curse in my opinion. On one hand, the numbers make it obvious when a loved one has betrayed you. On the other, people like me, become pariahs. 
 
 As a child, my number was never remarked upon - after all, all children have the same number until they hit puberty. Most children do n't even find out what the numbers mean until they are legally adults. It seems wrong, somehow to expose children to the reality of our universe too early. 
 
 As the numbers of my classmates began to climb in high school, my number remained stationary. This earned me approving looks from the adults in my life, and nothing but torment from my peers. In college, I tried my hardest not to think about the numbers. As everyone around me achieved higher numbers, mine stayed the same. I kept my head down, studied and graduated with the highest honors. 
 
 Now, in my adult life, I am looked upon with pity. Quite honestly, I wish these numbers did n't exist. The statistic being displayed above my head should be my knowledge to share. In some giant cosmic twist, one of the greatest embarrassments of my adult life was plain for everyone to see. 
 
 Being a pariah, I try to ignore the numbers of others. When I meet a person kind enough to pretend not to notice my number, I extend them the same courtesy. 
 
 I met Ben in a coffee shop. He was unconventionally handsome, witty, charming, and outgoing. Essentially my polar opposite. Somehow, my strange sense of humor seemed to appeal to him and we became fast friends. I started to fall for him. As my feelings for him grew, the prospect of seeing his number grew more and more daunting. I avoided looking above his head at all costs. 
 
 One day, as we were enjoying our daily cup of coffee, Ben brought up the subject I had been dreading. I knew it would come up eventually. I knew that the friendship we had built was too good to be true. 
 
 `` Sarah, please look at me. I know your number embarrasses you, but I honestly do n't understand why. It is, after all, just a number. It does n't define you unless you let it.'' 
 
 I mumbled something nonsensical under my breath and kept my head down. 
 
 `` Sarah, please, look at my number. It's only fair! I see yours on a daily basis, I think I am starting to fall for you, I need to know that you are okay with my number as well. Please.'' 
 
 He sounded so sincere that I could n't help myself. I looked into his beautiful blue eyes, steeled myself, and looked higher. My jaw dropped. 
 
 `` Ben, how is that... how could you be... its not possible.'' 
 
 `` I know, right? How is it that the two virgins left in such a seemingly depraved society find each other? Sarah, come home with me tonight, I promise that after tonight, your number will never change again.'' 
 
 The next morning I woke up in Ben's arms. Stretching out like a cat after a nap, I eyed the number above Ben's head. Where yesterday had been a big, fat zero, I saw the number one. With any luck, his number would never go up again.
