"Alex, you seemed sad during today's classes. I thought something must have happened, so I came to help you. And look at yourself now, getting this drunk. What about tomorrow's classes? Do you think you'll magically sober up after a night's rest?" Athena asked, her voice tinged with anger.
"I... I don't..." Alex stammered.
"What are you muttering? I can't hear you, Alex," Athena interrupted.
"I don't plan on going to school tomorrow," Alex replied hastily.
"Why are you doing this, Alex? I know you have problems, but you need to fight them instead of wallowing in sadness and depression. You need to forget the past..." Athena began to say, but Alex cut her off.
"You need to forget the past, neglect the anxieties of the future, and focus on the present. Regret won't change the past, and anxiety won't alter the future. Your present actions can help you move forward and leave regrets behind. I know all this, but still... I can't..." Alex trailed off.
"You can't what, Alex?" Athena asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I can't. I just can't forget about my past. Do you even know what I've been through?" Alex's voice quivered with emotion. "My grandmother died when I was just eleven. My closest cousin, whom I treated like a blood brother, was murdered when I was the same age. I knew he was murdered, but as a child, there was nothing I could do."
Alex paused, his eyes filled with tears. "After those incidents, I fell into a deep depression and became a shut-in. My childhood friend, whom I won't name, was always there for me, constantly encouraging me. But I witnessed bloodshed, murder, pain, and sorrow. Instead of paying respects to my grandmother at her funeral, I saw my relatives fighting over her property. At my cousin's funeral, people cursed him, saying terrible things. I was surrounded by negativity."
Taking a deep breath, Alex continued, "Despite all that, I persevered because my best friend was by my side. I kept going until the age of fourteen. But one day, I noticed that my friend, X, seemed sad. Even though she was usually the most cheerful person, something was off. I approached her and asked about her worries, but she just smiled and told me not to worry. The next day, she was gone."
Confusion clouded Athena's face as she listened intently.
"I went to her house and learned the heartbreaking truth. X's cousin, who was only three years younger, had been gang-raped and was in the hospital. The doctor said there was no hope, as her womb was damaged. On top of that, her rectum was severely injured, and she was at high risk of cancer. The mental trauma she endured made it almost impossible for her to live. That day, X's cousin jumped from the hospital window, ending her own life."
Alex's voice trembled as he recalled the painful memories. "After that, I saw X less and less. She eventually told me that I was brave, and it would be okay. Little did I know, that was the last time I would see her. The next day, we received news that X had taken her own life. I was shattered, but I found a note she had left for me. She urged me to keep living, no matter what. That note became my reason to continue."
"Alex, you've been through so much," Athena whispered, her voice filled with empathy. "I can't even begin to imagine the pain you've endured. It's no wonder you've carried these burdens alone for so long."
Alex nodded, tears streaming down his face. "After X's death, I felt like I had lost everything. But then, a month later, I met someone. I proposed to a classmate, and she became my girlfriend. Our relationship lasted for two years, and in her presence, I found solace. But just when I thought things were looking up, my parents passed away, leaving me completely alone."
Athena's heart ached for Alex, understanding the weight of his grief. "It seems like life has dealt you one blow after another. I can't fathom the strength it took for you to keep going."
"I had no choice but to keep going," Alex whispered, his voice barely audible. "But fate can be cruel, and it felt like I was trapped in an endless cycle of pain and loss."
Athena reached out and gently placed her hand on Alex's trembling shoulder. "Alex, you are stronger than you realize. Despite everything, you've endured. You've faced unimaginable hardships, but you're still here. That takes incredible strength."
Alex looked at Athena, his eyes searching for understanding. "Why are you doing this for me? Why are you showing me kindness when others turned away?"
Athena's expression softened, and a gentle smile graced her lips. "Because I see the strength within you, Alex. I see the courage it takes to keep fighting, even when the world feels overwhelming. You deserve support and compassion, and I want to be there for you." saying so she sat beside him and started drinking after drinking for a while they both were pretty drunk and they shared their worries after sharing their they looked into each others eyes.
As the moonlight filtered through the window, casting a soft glow in the room, Alex and Athena found comfort in each other's presence. Their shared vulnerability and pain forged a connection that transcended words.
With their defenses lowered by the intoxicating effect of the alcohol, they sought solace in each other's arms. Alex pulled Athena onto the bed and hugged her while crying, seeking the warmth and comfort that eluded him for so long. They held each other tightly, Alex's tears mingled with his whispered words of understanding.
In that moment, the weight of their burdens felt a little lighter, as if they had found a sanctuary amidst the chaos. They drifted into a peaceful slumber, entwined in each other's embrace, their dreams carrying the promise of healing and renewal.