THE LEGEND OF THE ARACHNID

TEARS OF FAREWELL

Months had passed since the violent events that had marked the Arachnids. The city still bore the traces of these battles, and everyone was recovering in their own way. Alex, silent and thoughtful, stood in front of the modest home of his mother and his sister Nita, his heart heavy with the decision he was about to announce to them.

The door opened slowly, revealing his mother, a woman marked by life but with a now softened look. She looked more serene, as if freed from a burden. Behind her, Nita, her thirteen-year-old little sister, ran up to hug Alex. He felt the mix of innocence and determination she carried, the strength that reminded him that he had fought for them.

His mother looked at him for a long time, sensing the anguish in his eyes. She knew he had something serious to tell them.

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Alex: (in a soft voice) “Mom, Nita… I… I'm going to have to leave for a long time. »

Nita gripped his hand, fear filling her face.

Nita: “You’re going to come back, right? Is it just temporary? »

Alex tenderly stroked her hair, searching for the words to soothe her sister without lying to her.

Alex: “I promise I’ll come back to see you, Nita. But I have to leave to protect myself…and protect you too. »

Nita frowned, a tear sliding down her cheek.

Nita: “I’m scared, Alex…I’m scared you’ll never come back. You know, I've heard stories, people say horrible things about what you and your friends do. »

Alex hugged his sister a little tighter.

Alex: “It’s true… I haven’t always made the right choices. But I did it so you would be safe, so mom would never have to..."

His voice broke, and he gave a sad look to his mother, who looked away, ashamed. The pain of her past overwhelmed her, but she took a deep breath before speaking.Alex's mother: "Alex ... thanks to you, all of this is behind me. I want you to know ... "(His voice is choking for a moment)" I will never go back to this life. I swear. I made mistakes, a lot, but I will not do them again. Because you showed me another way. »»

Alex felt an immense emotion invaded him, and his eyes got fucked. He did not know what to say, but the weight of the sacrifice he had consented for them caught up.

Nita: (sobbing) "You are my hero, Alex ... even if everyone is talking about you, I know you are someone good. »»

Alex: (smiling, wet eyes) "Oh, nita ... take care of mom for me. You too are my little heroine, you know? »»

Nita, in tears, hugged him with all his might, refusing to let him go. Finally, Alex turned to his mother, tears freely flowing on his cheeks.

Alex: "Mom ... Be happy. Find a simple, beautiful life with Nita. I love you, and I will never let anything happen to you. »»

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On leaving, Alex found Marcus, his lifelong friend, supported against a post. The two friends exchanged a heavy look of meaning, a mixture of admiration and pain. Marcus had come for a last farewell.

Marcus: "So ... is that where we are leaving, brother? »»

Alex sighed, his gaze lost in the distance.

Alex: "I believe, Marcus ... It's time for me to leave, to leave it all behind. »»

The two men shouted in a fraternal embrace, one striking the shoulder of the other as if to print the strength of their friendship.

Alex: "Thank you for everything. Without you, I would never have survived all of this. »»

Marcus: (With a sad smile) "You either, Poto. And above all, promise me one thing ... pay attention to yourself. »»

They thus remained, in silence, the weight of memories shared with each other. Then, by mutual agreement, they separated without a last look, their paths now intended to take opposite directions.That day, Alex left the city with in his heart the warmth of a final goodbye and the promise of an uncertain, but unshakeable return.