Peter's Journal

I Don't Want To Be Spider-Man Anymore

"I don't know what's been going on recently... I've been having these weird things happen to me, and I don't know how to make of them. My old problems are still there and I can't tell anyone. Uncle Ben, how do I get through this?"

The old man I always looked up to for a hero sat next to me. "Peter, you need to be strong and you can. You need to push through-"

"But I can't!"

He stayed quiet. His face looked hurt.

Trying to avoid breaking my voice, I said, "You don't understand what it feels like. The constant turmoil I'm in."

Uncle Ben tries to comfort me. "You know I understand, son. But I thought you learned the meaning of courage and responsibility.... Justice. Helping those in need. Supporting those who are in need. Putting those dreams out into the world..."

"I don't want to live your dreams anymore. I want a life of my own... I wanted to make a difference in any way I could. But once I was out there... Once the problem gets too hard, I can't handle it and I want to back out... But I can't. I have to make a choice no matter how difficult, and that's not fair."

He looks down. I can't keep myself together anymore and apologize. "I'm sorry, Uncle Ben. I can't be Spider-Man anymore."

He extends his arm. "Take my hand, son."

I shake my head and lightly say, "No more."