Spiderman From the Ashes : Volume One

Chapter Twelve - When You Help Someone...

After that summer, Arisu couldn't shake the doubts that plagued her mind about what had happened to that kid. She found herself constantly questioning her own memories and actions. So when she received a letter from her Aunt, inviting her to visit F.E.A.S.T after a long season away, she knew she had to go.

The old woman, with wispy gray hair and piercing scarlet red eyes, greeted her warmly as she entered the bustling soup kitchen. "Ah, Arisu! It feels like an eternity since we've seen each other. How have you been?" she asked with genuine concern. Arisu couldn't help but feel comforted by her Aunt's presence. "Just passing through. Do you need any help?" she offered, eager to lend a hand.

"If you don't mind, could you grab those boxes over there?" the old lady pointed to a stack of supplies in need of restocking. "It's been almost an entire semester since I've seen your face again, how is your job going?" she asked, making small talk as they worked together. "Pretty tough, but I'm trying to adapt," Arisu replied with a smirk. "At least I have some free time for my other job," she added with a hint of weariness in her voice.

Despite the challenges of her job, Arisu felt grateful for that opportunity.

"Martin would be so proud of you for landing two jobs in just one semester." Arisu shifted uncomfortably, her mind still preoccupied with worries about her son. "Yeah, it's been tough lately for him and me. But I'm holding onto hope that he'll get better soon."
A wistful expression crossed the woman's face before she could finish her thought, and Arisu quickly interjected. "Not here." A short smile from Bierce, almost melted her heart.

She understood that they were trying to protect their son Aaron from any unnecessary stress.
"You're such a hardworking mother," the woman said with admiration. "I wish that Aaron-" but Arisu quickly interjected. "No, Not here." whispering the last part.

Instead, she offered some advice, "You have the power of responsibility. You should choose wisely who or what to believe in." Her words struck a chord with Arisu, reminding her of the strength and determination she had within her.

"Power of Responsibility..."

As she trudged along the path to her job, the weight of that sentence pressed heavily on her mind. The woman's thoughts were jumbled and confused as she made her way through the city streets. She couldn't shake off the repetitive question that echoed in her head: "Who and what you believe?" It seemed like a nonsensical riddle, yet it also held a meaning that she couldn't quite grasp. What was Bierce trying to say?