Arlon and Liliana - Love in The Midst of Family Feud

Arlon's Hairstyle

In the Florian household, the tension lingered like a heavy cloud. Arlon's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Florian, remained resolute in their quest to reshape their son's life according to their definition of "normalcy." Arlon's younger brother, a teenager with a flair for conformity, often joined his parents in their attempts to bring Arlon back into their version of the world. Arlon, on the other hand, was a free spirit who embraced his individuality and saw beauty in the unconventional. This clash of ideals created a constant source of friction within the family, with each member desperately trying to impose their own beliefs onto one another. Despite the tension, Arlon remained determined to stay true to himself and find his path in life.

One sunny morning, as the family gathered for breakfast, Mr. Florian's gaze settled on Arlon's "unruly", yet neatly groomed hair. He couldn't help but admire how effortlessly stylish Arlon looked, even with his unconventional hairstyle. It was a stark contrast to Mr. Florian's own conservative and traditional appearance. As the family sat around the table, Mr. Florian couldn't resist commenting on Arlon's unique hair, acknowledging that it suited him well despite his young age. This small moment of acceptance brought a smile to Arlon's face, as he knew that even though they had different views on style and beauty, his father still recognised and appreciated his individuality.

He cleared his throat and spoke with a stern tone, "Arlon, we've been thinking about your appearance, and we believe it's time for a change."

Arlon looked up from his plate, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean, Dad?"

Mrs. Florian chimed in, her voice carrying a hint of disapproval. "Your hair, Arlon. It looks shabby, and it's not appropriate for someone your age. We think you should get a crew cut."

Arlon's heart sank at the suggestion. He had always been proud of his unique hairstyle, one that reflected his individuality and sense of self. The thought of conforming to a crew cut felt like a loss of his identity. He couldn't understand why his parents suddenly wanted him to change something that had always been a part of him. Arlon took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to express his feelings without causing an argument. He knew he needed to have a calm and honest conversation with his parents about the importance of self-expression and acceptance.

"But Mum, Dad, I like my hair the way it is," he replied hesitantly.

Mr. Florian raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with authority. "Arlon, we know what's best for you. You need to look like other boys your age."

Arlon felt a familiar anxiety welling up within him. His parents' insistence on moulding him into their idea of normalcy was a constant source of stress. But he knew that speaking up would only invite their wrath. But deep down, Arlon knew that conforming to his parents' expectations would mean sacrificing his true self. He yearned to express his individuality and embrace his unique style. The thought of conforming to societal norms filled him with unease, as he knew it would only stifle his creativity and sense of identity. With a heavy heart, Arlon made a silent vow to find the courage to stand up for himself and pursue his path, even if it meant facing his parents' disapproval.

Silently, he finished his breakfast and retreated to his room. There, he picked up his diary and began to write, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and frustration. "Why can't they accept me for who I am?" he wrote. "My hair is a part of me, just like my autism. Why do they want to change everything about me?"

Later that day, Arlon couldn't contain his distress any longer. He made his way to Liliana's house, seeking comfort in the presence of the one person who had always accepted him unconditionally. As he knocked on the door, his heart raced with anticipation and anxiety. Liliana greeted him with a warm smile, sensing his unease. Without a word, she pulled him into a tight embrace, understanding the depth of his pain. In her comforting presence, Arlon felt a sense of belonging and reassurance, knowing that he was accepted and cherished just the way he was. Liliana's bedroom was a sanctuary of warmth and creativity. She sat at her desk, a sketchbook open before her, her long, flowing hair framing her face like a waterfall of chestnut silk. When Arlon entered, she looked up and greeted him with a warm smile.