The start of the journey

His calm voice couldn't conceal the depth of emotion underlying his words. The painful reality of his father's departure hit him like a cold draft in the dead of winter, leaving an unwelcome chill.

The pain and hardships he had to face in the city ultimately drove him away from the crowded city streets and into the heart of nature. Erik found the strength to face his demons here, where the trees stood tall and unyielding against the harsh winter, and the snow fell unabated.

"I grew up in the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and bustling streets. That was my world, everything I knew." He stopped, his eyes reflecting the stark contrast between the dark trees and the white snow.

"But amid all that commotion, I felt...misplaced, like a seed trying to grow in concrete." I guess my background made me feel out of place in that setting. I thought that after my awakening, things would have gone better, yet, despite my awakening, problems did not leave me alone."