TORN BY TIME AND LIES

ward when the weight of the world seems too much to bear. After our parents' death, I have done everything I can to pro

t became clear that balancing my studies, work, and raising a young girl on my own is nearly impossible. It breaks my heart to

on my own. She loves playing the piano and has shown a talent for painting, filling Aunt Margie's house with he

ly can live with me again, where I can be the older brother she deserves. I want to build a fu

that have shaped who I am and driven me to where I stand now. As I walk throu

meet-my father as a factory worker and my mother cleaning houses. Despite their struggles, they always fou

and twirl her around, her laughter echoing through our tiny home. My mother would kiss my forehead and ask about my day, genuine

t was nothing fancy, but to us, it was like a treasure. He spent hours fixing it up, tinkering with the wires and dial

"Even when things are tough, there's always

lieve in yourself, Alex. You have the potential to d

me, a source of strength

rn down, their spirits slowly breaking under the pressure. My father's cough worsened, a constant reminder of the hazardous

as I sat at the kitchen table, doing my homework. My parents had gone out to run some errands, leav

voice on the other end was calm, too calm, as they told me there had been an accide

tchen. I pulled her into my arms, trying to shield her from the unbearable truth. But how could I protect her f

stark reminder of our loss. The apartment felt like a hollow shell, devoid of the warmth and love that once f

. Every day is a battle, but I can't afford to give up. Lily needs me, and I can't let her down. The dreams I once had of g

s. The silence is deafening, filled with memories of my parents and the life we have lost. I lie awake, staring

city. The stars are obscured by clouds, and the air is heavy with the promise of rain. I feel a darkness settling in my soul, a h

much; I can't let her lose me too. I take a deep breath, gripping the edge of the rooftop, and make a silent v

very penny I can. I manage to get into college on a scholarship, balancing my studies with multiple jo

t it has become a part of me, shaping who I am. It makes me stronger, more determined. I vow th

orld. I want to create something meaningful, something that can give others a glimpse of ho

nvention, and with the right investor, I can finally secure the financial stability I need. Not ju

that Aunt Margie has sent me. She looks so happy, so full of lif

ch work to be done, and I can't afford to waste any time. With one last look at Lily'

cture took me by surprise, but seeing her there, among the audience, filled me with a strange mix of emotions

nd Jonathan's relentless pursuit. Her eyes, were clouded with worry. I could see how much this weighed on her, and it b

trengthening between us, a mutual understanding that we were both fighting battles few could see. As we parted ways, I couldn't shake the