Another Excuse

MARCO

Everything felt different now.

I wasn't sure if it was just in my head, but I could feel it. The way people looked at me. The way they whispered when I walked past. Like they were waiting for me to break again. Like they thought I was weak.

I wasn't weak.

I just needed to prove it.

So I pushed myself harder. Training longer, moving faster, hitting stronger. My wounds had already healed, but the pain in my chest?

That was still there.

My body had fixed itself in seconds, but my pride? That would take longer.

"You're gonna pass out, you know."

I turned and found August watching me from the edge of the training ground, arms crossed, eyebrow raised. He was like my shadow, these days.

Annoying, but always around.

"I'm fine, kid," I muttered, throwing another punch at the sandbag. My power surged through me, fire up my veins heating me up in the process.