The Heart's Awakening

Steve, having been abandoned by Lara, found himself walking home, her image etched in his mind. He had completely forgotten about his car, leaving it behind at school as he trekked the long miles home without breaking a sweat. Lara had managed to captivate his heart, a heart that he had shielded from love after a bitter past. As he arrived home, he absentmindedly pushed the door open and walked inside, oblivious to his mother’s presence. He made his way to his room, lost in his thoughts.

Unaware of her son’s return, Steve’s mother, Ellen, failed to hear the sound of a car pulling up. She checked for his car but realized it wasn’t parked there. It dawned on her that Steve must have walked all the way home, which explained his late arrival. Entering his room, she was taken aback to find him lying on his bed, a smile on his face, his gaze fixed upon the ceiling as if witnessing a delightful moment. She gently tapped him, but he was lost in his own imaginary fantasy. Silently, Ellen left his room to fetch a glass of cold water, hoping it would bring him back to reality.

Steve’s blissful reverie was abruptly shattered when the water cascaded onto his face. Startled, he jumped off the bed, his anger evident. “Mom, how did I get home? And why did you pour water on my face?” he questioned, confusion etched on his face.

“It’s clear that you’ve taken up the habit of daydreaming on your way home, with that smile on your face. I had to wake you up from whatever dream you were having, even with your eyes wide open,” Ellen explained calmly.

“Oh, Mom, you won’t believe who I saw today,” Steve exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

“Whoever this person may be, they must have had quite an impact on you. I can’t believe you walked miles back home,” replied Ellen, her curiosity piqued.

“Mom, I met a girl at school today. She’s new, but her presence completely stole my heart,” Steve revealed.

Ellen sat down on his bed, her curiosity growing stronger as she longed to understand what had transpired between her son and this mysterious girl. She was glad to see Steve happy again, after having endured a difficult past relationship. Steve joined her on the bed, sharing bits and pieces of their conversation. Though his mother couldn’t quite grasp the reason for his overwhelming excitement, she was content knowing that her son had found joy once more. Silently, she left his room, leaving him to indulge in his imaginary world with the enchanting Lara he spoke so fondly of.

Lara returned home accompanied by Jane and Collins, who noticed her uncharacteristic silence. As they reached the entrance door, they turned to find Lara wearing a mysterious smile. Oblivious to the reason behind her happiness, they left her to herself as she walked to her room and collapsed onto her bed, still beaming. Steve’s sweet words echoed in her mind, and she couldn’t help but smile even brighter. Never before had anyone, divine or mortal, approached her with such genuine interest or spoken to her with such captivating desire. Lost in her memories Lara replayed their conversations in her mind, hearing his thoughts and feeling his longing for her attention. Her smile deepened as she realized that, unlike others who only sought to be intimate with her, Steve genuinely wanted her to love him.

Suddenly, Lara sensed a presence in her room and snapped back to reality. She turned her gaze towards the door and spotted Maya, who had been standing there for a few moments.

“I don’t mean to interrupt whatever you’re doing. I just wanted to know how your first day at school went, considering you’re new here,” Maya said.

“It was amazing. I met this incredible guy,” Lara replied.

“Now I understand why you were smiling,” Maya remarked, joining Lara on the bed, curious to hear all about this guy.

“What are you waiting for? Spill it! Tell me everything,” Maya urged eagerly.

Lara began sharing the details of her conversation with Steve, just before Jane and Collins had interrupted. She expressed her desire for him to chase after her, like in the movies, as she walked away. Hearing Lara’s wish for a guy to pursue her, Maya couldn’t help but burst into laughter. She laughed at Lara’s romantic notions, and at that very moment, Max walked into the room, inquiring about the source of Maya’s laughter. Unable to contain herself, Maya spilled the whole story to Max. Max chuckled and responded, breaking the news to Maya.

“Maya, Lara is onto something. Remember how I chased after you when you walked out on me?” Max said.

“Did that really happen?” Maya asked in disbelief.

“Yes, it did. So, give Lara some credit. She’s not far from the truth. A guy should chase after her; that’s how true love is shown,” Max said with a grin.