MOM'S STORY

Everything started back in university. Your father, Eugene, and I were young then. He was the captain of the football club. Everyone loved him, especially the ladies, because of his good looks. The guys admired him for his humility, and the coach respected his diligence. I also found him intriguing. He seemed to have everything under control, as if nothing could go wrong for him. Yet, things did go wrong, so wrong that they changed our lives.

Before the unfortunate events began, I had a crush on him, but I couldn't dare approach him. I was the typical nerd girl in glasses – always on time for lectures, lacking any sense of fashion, and constantly carrying books around with my nose stuck in one or two. My life was as boring as it could be. I wasn't invited to parties, had no friends, and nobody wanted to be associated with me. Some people were intimidated by my parents, while others simply didn't want me around. Not that I'm complaining; I was better off without them. I had plenty of free time, didn't have to share anything with anyone, could focus on my books, and held mini-parties for myself. My life seemed good, or at least that's what I thought.

Now that I think about it, I never really enjoyed life or had real fun until your dad came into my life. I wasn't as content as I thought. It was lonely, depressing, and sad. I had a mental breakdown, yet there was no one to talk to, not even my parents. I craved a change – something different and better than the life I was living. I wanted to be liked, not ignored or pushed away. I yearned to feel important and be part of the crowd. Most nights, I cried myself to sleep. Books were my only escape, allowing me to travel the world and be whoever I wanted. But that wasn't enough.

One morning, I followed my usual routine: brushing my teeth, taking a warm shower, putting on a hoodie with jeans and worn-out boots, and making breakfast for myself. Afterward, I set off for class. As usual, people treated me as if I were invisible. I was used to it but couldn't shake the discomfort it brought.

Arriving at class earlier than usual, I immediately immersed myself in a book containing that day's lecture material. Then, the unexpected happened. Eugene entered the classroom, looking as stunning as ever. I was stupefied for two reasons. First, it wasn't like him to be in class so early. Second, he stared at me as if he wanted to see right through me. I felt my insides burn, overcome by a rush of emotions I couldn't fathom. I had a crush on him, but we had never made eye contact before. This intensity was new to me, and I secretly hoped he felt the same way.

Our eyes locked, and even though I relished the fact that he had finally noticed me, I didn't want him to see through me. So, I averted my gaze back to the book. He walked past me and took his seat at the back left of the class.

Gradually, the classroom filled up, and lectures began. I found the class fascinating, particularly the topic of algorithms. I didn't want it to end, but unfortunately, it did. Unbeknownst to me, this was just the beginning of an incredible journey with Eugene, a journey that would change our lives forever.