heart of steel. (Clark Kent/Superman)

prologue.

"You're ripped at every edge, but you're a masterpiece."

All I remember from that night is my parents hushed arguing. They always waited until I was in my bedroom to start it.

Of course, I never questioned it. They were adults, and I was always told to be silent and obey.

I really wish I would've rebelled that night.

After they figured I was settled in my bed, most likely fast asleep, they began their average fuss. Then I remember hearing something like the door being busted open, and an extremely loud roar. Once I heard the first sequence of my mother's screams, I decided to see what was going on.

Something like a tornado spun around her, but this tornado seemed to include loud pops and lightning. She kept yelling for me to turn away, for me to leave, but I refused. Finally, my dad lifted me up, took me outside, and set me down. He locked eyes with me, and we began to converse with our eyes. Finally, our conversation was voiced by my father, but it was brought to an abrupt end when he muttered the next word.

"Run."

So I did. I ran, and I ran hard. If I hadn't heard how serious my dad was, I would've refused to move, but he seemed legit. When I had reached the end of my street, I stopped, huffing and puffing. So tired after that, I walked into a close alleyway. I found a comfy, worn-out mattress, and plopped down on top.

I never did go back to the house that night. Apparently my mother had been killed. Outsiders figured it was my father. I, on the other hand, knew that the weird lightning storm was the true cause of her unexpected passing. But who believes a 7-year old?

Now I live in Metropolis. I grew up to become a journalist, so unlike with my mother's case, I could uncover the truth and everyone would know.

I thought I didn't believe in superheroes, I thought I didn't believe in hope or faith;

But then there was him.