I'm not bad, just broken ✔️

Prologue

BOWSER'S P.O.V

Everyone just leaves. The only people that haven't left me yet are Bowser Jr. and the koopalings. Which makes sense, because they're my children.

Even though it happened 12 years ago, I cry even thinking about it. Junior understands. A few years ago I tried to convince him that Princess Peach was his mother but he saw right through me.

'She's not really my momma, is she?' I remember him saying, as if it was yesterday.

And the heartbreak that started this depression.

Clawdia. When she left me.

Her. In the kitchen. 12 years ago. Junior in her arms. Just a few months old. Her laughing eyes were suddenly serious. She was just giving Junior his bottle, a normal everyday thing to do, back then.

She turned to face me, her beauty melting me, still, even after the 4 years we've been together. Our spark didn't die down. I thought we were going to be together forever.

"Bowser," she said hesitantly.

"Yes?"I replied.

"I, I, I,"she paused, regained her composure and continued," Bowser, I can't do this anymore. Having a kid is too much responsibility. We're only 21 for goodness sake!"

"Most people aren't even 21 when they have their first kid,"I said.

Clawdia nodded. "I know."

"We love Junior, it's just postpartum depression, you'll get over it, i'll help you through every step of the way, I promise. I love you,"I said.

"It's not that simple, Bowser. I don't like this lifestyle, I just can't do it anymore. I'm sorry. I'm never happy anymore. The lows are rock bottom and the highs just aren't there. Please understand Bowser,"she said.

"I do! You just need a break for the day. I'll just take care of Junior for you. I'll promise to try be more involved as a parent."

"Bowser, you don't understand. You're doing everything right. You don't need to do anything else. The problem is me,"she said, breaking down into tears,"I can't do this anymore."

I put Junior to sleep and went over to hug her.

"It's all going to be ok. We'll get through it Clawdia,"I whispered.

After she stopped crying, she said ,"You look tired. I'll take care of Junior for the rest of the day."

"Are you sure you can handle it? You know after all you said?"I asked.

"Yes i'm fine. Go have a rest."

I went to bed. And I woke to the sound of Junior crying.

The room was a mess. All Clawdia's things were gone.

That was the day Clawdia broke my heart. I've never seen her since.

Everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom thinks i'm the bad guy. All I want is a mother for my son and my wife back.

When Junior was 1, I adopted the Koopalings. They're 2 years older than Junior. I thought adopting them would fill the hole in my heart. It didn't.

That's why I started kidnapping Peach. To fill up this big hole inside. She's pretty, really nice and royalty, which is a plus.

Problem is, she has Mario to save her and kick my ass every time, sending me farther and farther into this spiral of depression.