The heart of an ice prince

Chapter 12

**Chapter 12: A Glimmer of Hope**

Felix stepped off the bus and felt the familiar pulse of the community college vibrate beneath his feet. Today was the first day of the photography workshop, and he could hardly contain his excitement. The sun shone brightly, illuminating the path ahead, and for the first time in weeks, he felt a sense of hope fluttering in his chest.

As he entered the building, the vibrant atmosphere welcomed him. Students rushed past, their laughter and conversation filling the air with energy. It was a stark contrast to the silence that haunted his home. He could hardly believe he was finally taking this step toward something he loved.

Felix followed the signs to the workshop room, his heart pounding with anticipation. When he entered, he found a spacious, sunlit classroom filled with eager faces and a variety of cameras displayed on the desks. At the front stood Ms. Jensen, a lively woman with an aura that instantly put him at ease.

**Ms. Jensen:** "Welcome, everyone! I'm thrilled to see so many passionate faces ready to explore the world of photography! Today, we'll dive into the basics of composition and lighting."

Felix took a seat near the back, soaking in the atmosphere. Ms. Jensen began her lesson, her enthusiasm infectious. As she spoke, Felix found himself hanging on every word, imagining the possibilities that lay ahead.

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**Ms. Jensen:** "Photography is about telling a story through your lens. Every picture you take can evoke emotions and capture moments that might otherwise be forgotten. So let's start by practicing some techniques!"

They moved outside to the campus courtyard, where Ms. Jensen demonstrated different methods of framing and focusing. Felix picked up his camera, his hands trembling slightly. He felt a surge of adrenaline as he prepared to take his first shot.

With each click of the shutter, Felix became more absorbed in the process. He photographed the vibrant flowers, the rustling leaves, and the joyful expressions of his classmates as they explored their surroundings. For the first time in ages, he felt free—unburdened by his parents' expectations.

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During a break, he gathered with a few classmates, including a girl named Mia, who had been friendly and encouraging throughout the session.

**Mia:** "You're really talented, Felix. I love how you captured that flower earlier! Have you thought about entering any contests or showcasing your work?"

Felix hesitated, the familiar seed of doubt creeping back in.

**Felix:** "I don't know... I've never done anything like that before. What if my work isn't good enough?"

**Mia:** "Everyone has to start somewhere. The local art show is coming up, and it could be a great opportunity for you! I can help you prepare if you want."

Felix felt a spark of excitement but also fear. What if his parents found out? They would never support this.

**Felix:** "That sounds amazing, but I have to be careful. My parents aren't very supportive of my photography."

Mia's expression turned serious.

**Mia:** "You should pursue what you love. Don't let them hold you back. Life is too short to live in someone else's shadow."

Felix nodded, grateful for her encouragement. As the break ended, he felt a sense of camaraderie with his classmates, a feeling he had longed for but had been unable to find at home.

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After the workshop, Felix returned home, the weight of his parents' expectations heavy on his shoulders once again. As he walked through the front door, he could feel the atmosphere shift. His parents were in the living room, their voices low but charged with tension.

**Felix's Mother:** "I can't believe he wasted another day on that ridiculous hobby."

**Felix's Father:** "We need to talk to him. This cannot go on any longer."

Felix paused, dread pooling in his stomach. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before stepping into the living room.

**Felix:** "I'm home."

His parents turned to face him, their expressions unreadable.

**Felix's Father:** "We need to discuss your little photography workshop."

Felix's heart raced. He had prepared for this moment, but the reality felt daunting.

**Felix:** "I really enjoyed it. I learned a lot about composition and lighting. It felt amazing to take photos."

His mother scoffed, her tone dripping with skepticism.

**Felix's Mother:** "Photography is a waste of time. You need to focus on your studies and prepare for a future that doesn't involve chasing dreams that won't pay the bills."

Felix felt frustration bubbling to the surface.

**Felix:** "It's not just a hobby to me. It's something I want to pursue seriously. I even thought about entering the local art show."

His father's expression darkened.

**Felix's Father:** "You are not entering any art show. This is not a career. It's time to face reality."

Felix clenched his fists, fighting back tears.

**Felix:** "Why can't you just support me? I'm trying to find my own path!"

The room fell silent, tension crackling in the air.

**Felix's Mother:** "You are being foolish, Felix. You think you know better than us, but you're just a child."

Felix's frustration reached a boiling point.

**Felix:** "I'm not a child anymore! I want to make my own choices, even if you don't agree with them!"

His parents exchanged looks of disbelief, and Felix could see the anger simmering beneath the surface.

**Felix's Father:** "If you continue to pursue this 'passion,' you will lose the privileges we've given you. You'll regret it."

Felix's heart sank at the threat, but he felt a flicker of determination ignite within him.

**Felix:** "Then maybe I need to start standing up for myself. I can't keep living my life to meet your expectations."

With that, he turned and stormed out of the room, his pulse racing. As he retreated to his room, he felt a mix of fear and exhilaration. He knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but he was finally beginning to understand that he had to fight for his dreams, no matter the cost.

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That night, Felix lay in bed, his camera resting on his bedside table. He envisioned the photos he wanted to take, the stories he wanted to tell. He would not let his parents' fear dictate his future any longer. He needed to embrace his passion and prove to himself that he could succeed.

With that thought in mind, he drifted into a restless sleep, determined to find a way to pursue his dreams—no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

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**End of Chapter 12**