Parents serve as the first illustration of love and partnership in a child's life, ideally embodying the beauty of affectionate relationships. You had the misfortune of not witnessing this ideal; your parents, though biologically present, were never truly in love. Your mother became pregnant at a tender age, and their only way to escape societal judgment was through a hasty marriage —neither of them genuinely wanted this union. As a result, you grew up amidst a tempestuous household filled with constant arguments and harsh words. Their discord was so palpable that it made it hard to fathom what had initially sparked their connection to create you. For you, love became nothing more than a mirage, a deceptive illusion that led people to believe in feelings that often didn’t exist, a risk too daunting to consider.
When storms erupted between your parents, you’d escape through the window, racing to the nearby playground. Clinging to the swing, the rhythmic creak became your solace as tears streamed down your cheeks, providing a temporary refuge from your troubled home. It was there you met Mark, who quietly approached one day and, with an empathetic smile, handed you his beloved Spider-Man doll. That simple gesture sparked a bond; Mark began to frequent the playground, always ready to offer comfort when your heart felt heavy. Over the years, laughter and shared secrets wove a tapestry of friendship between you. However, as you both grew older, it became clear that what you shared was more than friendship — Mark was truly your only exception.
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After so many years of fearing the risk of falling deeper into what you had long considered an illusion, you find yourself walking home after a tiring day at university. Beside you is the only boy with a captivating heart, the one who has made you believe in something you should have embraced all your life — the only one truly worth the risk.
Mark walks beside you, holding your hands, while sharing his recent theories about the Marvel universe.