Shadows Within The Past

Chapter 115: Thoughts of Marcus

Marcus's mind wandered back to the good old days when he and Alexander were inseparable. They had grown up together, exploring the neighborhood, sharing secrets, and getting into all sorts of mischief. Marcus couldn't help but chuckle as he remembered the countless times they had playfully fought, trying to outmaneuver each other in silly games of tag or wrestling.

As he looked at Alexander now, Marcus saw a glimmer of that innocent, carefree person he had known since childhood. Before Alexander had stepped into the darkness of his own making, he had been a kind and gentle soul, always looking out for those around him. Marcus remembered the way Alexander used to make him laugh, the way he used to protect him from bullies, and the way he used to include him in all his adventures.

For a moment, Marcus forgot about the present and the persona Alexander had created for himself. He forgot about the "king" and the "princess" and the silly games they played. All he saw was his old friend, the one he had grown up with, the one he had shared so many memories with.

Marcus's expression softened, and he felt a pang of nostalgia. He missed the old Alexander, the one who didn't take himself too seriously, the one who didn't feel the need to put on a show. He missed the simplicity of their childhood friendship, the ease with which they used to interact.

But as he looked at Alexander now, Marcus knew that things could never go back to the way they were. Alexander had changed, and Marcus had changed too. They had both grown up, and their lives had taken different paths. Still, Marcus couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the past, for the carefree days of their childhood.

Marcus's eyes seemed to glaze over as he stared at Alexander, his mind flooded with memories of their past. He remembered the sweet, kind boy Alexander used to be, always looking out for him, always protecting him. But then, Marcus's thoughts took a drastic turn, and he started imagining Alexander in a tutu, dancing to "Swan Lake." Marcus couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image.

But then, Alexander walked back into the room, a look of surprise on his face as he took in Marcus's tear-stained face. "Why are you crying, Marcus?" he asked, his voice soft and concerned. Marcus wept uncontrollably, unable to speak. Alexander's expression changed from surprise to alarm, and he quickly walked over to Marcus. He sat down beside him and wrapped his arms around him in a tight hug.

As they hugged, Marcus started thinking about the time they had accidentally superglued their shoes to the floor during class. Alexander had tried to play it cool, but Marcus had burst out laughing, and they had both ended up getting in trouble. Marcus chuckled at the memory, and Alexander looked at him, confused.

"What's so funny?" Alexander asked, his voice low and husky. Marcus grinned mischievously. "I was just thinking about the time we superglued our shoes to the floor." Alexander's face lit up with a smile. "Oh man, that was hilarious!" he exclaimed. For a moment, they just sat there, laughing and reminiscing about old times.

But then, Marcus's expression turned serious. "Alexander, I miss you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I miss the person you used to be." Alexander's face fell, and he looked away, his eyes clouding over with emotions. "Bro, I'm here," he said, his voice laced with a hint of sadness. "You're not a child anymore, Marcus. I just went out and... "

Marcus shook his head, his eyes fixed on the childhood picture on the wall. "That one," he said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I miss that Alexander." Alexander's expression turned somber, and he looked at Marcus with a hint of warning in his eyes. "He's gone, Marcus," he said, his voice firm. "Don't miss him. He's not coming back. And if you keep holding onto the past, it will just hurt you."

Marcus felt a pang of sadness as he looked at Alexander. He knew that he was right. The Alexander of their childhood was gone, lost forever in the depths of time. But a part of Marcus still held onto the hope that one day, he would see that person again, that spark of kindness and compassion that had once defined Alexander.