conversations

I woke up a couple of hours later, going through my morning routine of brushing my teeth, tidying up my house, and having breakfast. By the time I stepped outside, it was around 10 am.

I pondered on where I could find Brock. I remembered there was a school nearby, so I thought it might be a good place to start looking for him and have a conversation.

I made my way to the school, which was only a few minutes away. As I arrived, I noticed an area where kids were playing various sports like football and basketball.

Inner monologue: Hmm... This could be the spot where Brock hangs out during breaks. Maybe I'll find him here.

I headed towards the area and spotted Brock among the kids playing football. I called out to him from a distance.

Me: Hey, Brock!

Brock noticed me and made his way towards me, looking slightly surprised.

Brock: Liran? What are you doing here?

Me: Just passing by. You seem like an interesting guy, and I thought it would be great to have a chat with you. Do you mind?

Brock smiled in response.

Brock: Nope, I don't mind at all. We can definitely have a conversation!

Me: Does it sound agreeable to you? Perchance, would you care to dine with me after your scholastic obligations? What are your thoughts on patronizing McDonald's?

Brock: Indeed, that sounds splendid! I anticipate completing my schoolwork early, so I should be able to rendezvous with you without delay. Until then, my good friend.

Me: Very well, I shall bid you adieu until we meet again.

One hour later, I stood near the school gate, patiently awaiting Brock's arrival. Upon seeing him emerge from the institution, I greeted him warmly.

Brock opened the gate and approached me, cordially saying, "Greetings."

"Good to see you again," I replied. "Shall we proceed to McDonald's?"

"Of course," Brock assented.

As we walked, I inquired about his academic endeavors, asking, "How are you faring in your studies? Might you perchance be the most accomplished among your peers?"

Brock modestly replied, "I am indeed doing quite well. In fact, I am at the top of my class."

"In that case, what would you say is your favorite subject?" I inquired.

"Mathematics," Brock responded. "I find it enthralling, but it is also a gateway to even more complex areas of study."

Me: ?...

Brock: You know, amidst the myriad theories and intricate concepts crafted by certain individuals, I find myself immensely captivated!

Moreover, as I ponder my future, there exists a multitude of aspirations I harbor, ones that will come to fruition as I mature... For instance--

Me: Hold on a moment, my dear companion. Let us pause our discourse momentarily, as we are in close proximity to McDonald's. Once we have reached our destination, you may resume your musings, agreed?

Brock: Certainly!

Subsequently, we arrived at McDonald's.

A few minutes later, we found ourselves seated at a nearby table, relishing our respective meals.

Me: So, Brock, you may now resume the topic you previously broached.

Brock: Ah, indeed! In any case, when I reach a more advanced age, my desire is to embark on an odyssey through the boundless expanse of the cosmos, to unravel the mysteries that lie therein. May I share a contemplation with you?

Me: By all means, go ahead.

Brock: I have devoted considerable time to this pondering... What if our entire conceptual framework, the very fabric of our collective creations, is but a deceptive facade?

Me: Pray, expound upon your meaning.

Brock: Allow me to clarify: Could it be that all that we have fashioned, these intricate constructs, amount to nothing more than minuscule morsels amidst the vast tapestry of the supercosmos? Take, for instance, the realm of mathematics...

Our theories, concepts, and every other construct we hold dear may be naught but infinitesimal fragments within the grand tapestry of the boundless supercosmos... What are your thoughts on this matter?

Me: Hmm... that does sound remarkably intriguing. So, is that the underlying motivation behind your yearning to explore the cosmos?

Brock: Precisely. I possess an ardent inclination towards acquiring knowledge and venturing into uncharted territories. The prospect of uncovering the truth that lies beyond and sharing it with humanity fills me with profound awe.

Just envision it! Witnessing the unfathomable wonders that await, seizing that knowledge, and employing it for the betterment of oneself and all those around you... That, my friend, is what magnifies the splendor!

Upon hearing Brock's impassioned words, a smile illuminated my face.

Me: Remarkable... Your profound desire to pursue such a path, driven by a genuine intention to benefit not only yourself but also humanity, fills my heart with joy. Well done, and may you persist in your endeavors!

Brock then gently placed his food on the table and gazed at me.

Brock: Liran... May I pose a question to you?

Me: Certainly... What is it?

Brock: Do you harbor aspirations and dreams as well?

Me: ?.... What exactly do you mean by how I perceive life?

Brock: Allow me to clarify. When you contemplate existence, do you perceive it as inherently positive or negative?

Me: Well... why does it matter to you?

Brock: What I'm trying to convey is that if you perceive life as a fundamentally positive experience, then hooray! It becomes a marvelous journey for you. However, if you view it as predominantly negative, then you might as well discard it entirely.

I regarded Brock more intently, sensing a shift in the conversation's tone.

Me: How can I determine which perspective to adopt?

Brock: Well... it ultimately depends on you.

Brock's gaze remained fixed on me, attentively awaiting my response.

Me: Brock, you see, we have all encountered struggles in our lives. It doesn't matter who we are or what we've experienced; we have all faced challenges. That is undeniable.

Brock continued to observe me, listening intently to my words.

Me: My life has indeed been challenging, but I made a conscious decision to work on myself, to strive for self-improvement and create a positive and fulfilling life for myself. As you mentioned earlier, our mindsets shape our reality. I chose to view life in a more optimistic and empowering manner, and that has contributed to my peace and happiness. Conversely, some individuals may not find happiness because they perceive life differently.

And I firmly believe that if I can make that shift, anyone else can too.

Brock then directed his gaze towards the ceiling for a brief moment before turning his attention back to me.

Brock: That is undoubtedly the most exceptional response to this question I have ever heard. You are a genius, and I hold a deep admiration for you.

A smile naturally graced my face.

Me: Thank you! These are indeed profound and philosophical questions we are exploring, don't you think?

Brock: I suppose you are right, hehe.

With our meal finished, we left McDonald's and continued our stroll along the streets. As we ventured forward, we unexpectedly encountered a woman who seemed strangely familiar to me.

The lady, Eve, an astonishing presence standing at an impressive 9 feet tall, possessed breathtaking curves that commanded attention. Her ample bosom, voluptuous thighs, and generously proportioned buttocks were of extraordinary magnitude, accentuating her remarkable stature. Accompanied by a group of friends, she directed her gaze downward towards me, captivating my attention with her awe-inspiring presence.

Eve: Well, well, you do seem oddly familiar... Have we crossed paths before?

I raised my eyes to meet Eve's gaze, instantly recognizing her as she stood a couple of meters in front of me, her face commanding attention and leaving an indelible impression.

Me: I remember you very well... You're Eve.

Eve turned to her friends and chuckled.

Eve: My, my! So you know my name. Now, who might you be?

Me: I'm Liran... Does that ring a bell?

Eve's laughter came to an abrupt halt as she appeared stunned for a moment.

Eve: L-Liran?! Is that truly you? You've grown so much!

I replied with a nod, acknowledging the same transformation in her.

Me: Yes, and I could say the same about you.

Eve was quite an intriguing individual who played a significant role in my life, and allow me to provide some context.

During our time in middle school, Eve and I were often regarded as the brightest students in our class. Our intellectual abilities led to a rivalry, which some classmates eagerly fueled.

While I personally didn't pay much attention to this rivalry, Eve seemed to be deeply invested in it.

Unfortunately, she sometimes exhibited unpleasant behavior due to it.

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