My name is Alex Dunphy and I am 14 years old. Although my family life has never been boring, since Haley left
for college, the house feels strangely empty. It's like a part of us has vanished, leaving a lingering echo of what
used to be. My parents are busier than ever: mom, Claire, with her desire to control every aspect of our lives, and
dad, Phil, with his always so optimistic and sometimes a little crazy ideas.
With Haley gone, I feel the pressure to fill the void she left. Mom has always had high expectations for me, and
although I have always been the studious daughter, the pressure has become almost overwhelming. Dad, in his
attempt to keep us together, organizes things like "Science Day", but sometimes I wish I could get away from it
all.
My refuge has been the library public. It's a place where I can find peace and get lost in the world of books. There,
I don't have to be the perfect daughter, I can just be Alex. It was during one of those days, while browsing the
science section, that I saw him for the first time.
A boy with wild hair was sitting in the corner, engrossed in a book . There was something in his gaze, an intensity
that immediately intrigued me. I didn't approach him right away, but I felt an attraction toward him that I couldn't
explain. It was as if a part of me knew that our lives were destined to cross.
I saw him several times after that, always in the same place, always with a book in the hand There was
something almost magnetic about his presence, something that made me want to get closer. Finally, one day, I
plucked up the courage and walked over.
"Hi, I'm Alex. Do you mind if I sit here?" I asked, trying to sound casual. . He looked up, and for a moment, our
eyes met. There was a spark, an instant connection that took my breath away. He nodded timidly, inviting me to
sit down.
This is how our conversation began, an exchange of words that quickly turned into something more. His name
was Robbie, and there was something in the way he spoke, in the intensity with which he looked at me, that made
me feel alive in a way I hadn't experienced before. There was a mystery to him, a complicated story that I wasn't
ready to share yet, but that only made me want to know more.
Over time, our relationship became more intense. . There was a palpable attraction between us, a chemistry that
grew with each meeting in the library. Every time we saw each other, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement,
as if each conversation was taking us closer to a point of no return.
At home, family dynamics continued their course. course, but I no longer felt so overwhelmed. Robbie's presence
in my life offered me an escape, a new way of seeing the world. Mom was still hosting her "Family Game Nights,"
but I was looking forward to the time when I could return to the library, to that special corner where Robbie and I
shared our dreams and fears.
Our connection was intense, at times almost obsessive. There were times when I couldn't stop thinking about
him, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about his passions, or how his smile could transform my day. I knew
there was something deep between us, something that went beyond simple friendship.
And so, between the pages of the books and the whispered conversations, a new stage began in my life, one that
would teach me about the power of attraction and desire, and the importance of finding our own way in the
world, even when we feel trapped by our emotions.