Luka: Shattered Past

5th July 2010

Dear Diary,
                    I went out to do some shopping while Juleka stayed at home with mom. I bought the necessary groceries and was heading back, however I spotted something inside a restaurant... I saw my dad with another woman. I didn't tell anyone about it. They were laughing and enjoying each other's company. My parents were like that years before, but I was convinced this year that they fell out of love long ago. I was actually happy about what I saw. I prayed that my dad would leave town with this woman and never come back.  He wouldn't bother us again. My mom would be free and hopefully find someone else. If only.

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"Luka! Can you come here?" He heard his mother call out.

He rushed into the living room, fearful that something happened. Anarka noticed her son's frantic reaction.

"Relax, everything is ok. I have a quest for you!" She expressed in her pirate persona.

This got Luka excited, he loves adventure! "Sure, what is it?" He said.

"Well your sister is feeling down, and someone needs to get groceries. Considering it's a nice day out and you haven't stepped out the apartment for a while. I'm handing the task to you!  My trusty first mate! Can I rely on you?" She spoke, finishing it off with a sincere yet cunning smile.

This in turn made the boy giggle, "Yes Captain!" He shouted whilst doing a pirate salute.

"Wonderful! Here's the grocery list and some money. Be safe on your quest!" Returning the salute back, enjoying having a bit of fun with her child.

Luka hurriedly put on his shoes, one being slightly ripped. Gotta save up some money for new ones. He mentally noted and sprinted out the door.

As he was walking down the street he noticed how empty and lifeless the city could be.

Even with the sun out, it still felt cold. The young boy imagined living somewhere a bit lively, where there's more action and culture to see and explore.

While stuck in his lively fantasies, a familiar and strained laugh caught his ears, similar to the one of his father's, before their lives turned to hell.

Is he around here? Luka fretted.

He traced the sound to a restaurant across the silent road. And saw a sight that he'd never thought he would see so soon and in this way. He hid behind a bush, though acted as though he wasn't doing anything suspicious to the public eye.

His father, dressed up nicely in cleaned up casual wear sat across to a woman who Luka had to admit, was way out of his league. And was completely opposite to his mother judging by the way she was tightly dressed. The young musician watched as they laughed and told each other wild stories, while simultaneously drinking plenty of wine.

Luka remembered when his parents were like that, when they used to be in love with the other's charm and wild spirit. Now it was as though that love never existed in the first place.

Would dad and this woman stay together...?

...

Good. Luka immediately thought. Mom, Juleka and I would suffer no more.

Luka pleaded that his wretched father would just leave and never come back. His imagination yet again grew wild, but happy. He imagined his mother being happy with someone else who treated her well. Plus, he would like a new dad. One he could play and laugh with. One he could go to for advice and not be afraid to approach him.

A father that would love and take care of him.

Luka sighed heavily, doubting his positive thoughts. He noticed the sky getting darker above him, time passing ever so quickly. He should get home, Luka concluded.

He took one last look at his father with his new toy. Loathing everything about the man he sadly grew up with. Luka was so angry, he at first didn't notice them paying for their meal and getting ready to leave.

Oh shit! Luka panicked, he ran away clutching onto the bags of groceries. His trembling legs trying to evacuate the area, his breath hitched in his throat.

Once he realised he was far away enough he slowed down, trying to regain his breathing and regulate his frantic heartbeat.

The sun was setting, Luka realised that his mother and Juleka were probably worried about him. Luckily the apartment block was just around the corner.  As he casually walked, attempting to remove the images of his father with another woman he glanced across the road and saw a young couple.

They were holding hands and smiling profusely, entranced fully in the other. Luka could see it. He could sense and hear it. Their hearts were in tune and synchronised. They were harmonious.

Was that love? He pondered. He never understood much about romantic love. Mostly in part to his parents not sharing much love these days.

Luka wondered if he could find true love like that. And not be as unlucky as his mother. While he was young, he still thought about a future partner or best friend. He dreamed of a sweet girl, one that was kind and helpful. Who puts themselves before others and has confidence in what she loves and admires. A girl that would love him and stay by his side.

I can only hope. He happily sighed.

He cautiously entered the building and made his way up to the apartment. His hand fumbled with the key in his pocket, before he could even enter the key into the lock, the door swung open.

"LUKA!" His mother screeched, pulling her son into a tight hug. In turn heavily confusing her son.

"Ma? Are you ok? Did something happen?" He questioned, trying to figure out what was wrong. He wasn't expecting an angry but concerned response.

"Luka Couffaine! Where on Earth have you been?! You've been gone for hours, I was about to call the police!"

Was I spying on dad for that long...? He internally worried "I'm sorry mom, I got distracted."

Before she was about to reprimand her son, however she noticed his sad and tired expression as he avoided her gaze, looking down towards the dull ground. She brought him inside and shut the front door behind them. Anarka crouched down to his level, her mother intuition kicking in.

"Luka? Did something happen? You can tell me."  She said while holding his shoulders. Almost afraid that he would be gone again.

The young boy thought of what he discovered while out. I shouldn't tell her. She might become upset, she's gone through enough. "Nothing happened, I was just daydreaming and didn't realise where I was going." He lied yet again, and right to his mother's face, the tremendous guilt was swelling inside of him.

Anarka took a deep breath. "Ok, but you have to be careful my boy. The city is dangerous, you have to be aware of your surroundings." The woman explained. Getting a sad but understanding nod from the boy.

"Now, your sister is waiting for you. Good job on ye quest my trusty mate!" She cheered with a salute, wanting to brighten her son's mood. "I'll go make dinner, get some rest."

Luka responded with a small smile and went to find Juleka.

"There you are! You took your time. Can we play?" She quizzed, happy that her brother was back. Clearly feeling better from earlier in the day.

On the other hand, Luka was feeling weirdly tired. But he couldn't deny her eager request.

As they played, it was as though he didn't witness his father cheating. He was happily distracted this time.

He wished for more distractions like this.