Never Alone: Through the Eyes of The Past

 The Past

Chapter 1- Tony

My feet trembled as if caught in a storm that suddenly erupted—thunderclaps of harsh words and lightning flashes of hurtful accusations, leaving the once peaceful surroundings in chaos, with the wind howling through broken branches of trust. Acid rolled down my flushed cheeks, marking my imperfection as if it were a part of me. It defined me.

The clock ticked, mocking me, while the sky—washed of its color—flushed with the overwhelming incidents it had witnessed. Wetness surrounded me, no—it was me. The suffocation clouded my mind, painting pictures of harsh possibilities that would make this miserable moonlit night excruciatingly painful to endure. My veins pulsed with the increasing sounds and passing comments. My feet trembled, as though I were standing on the edge of a cliff, the world around me tilting with every word spoken, uncertain if I would fall or stay rooted in place. The biting chill of winter contrasted sharply with the sweat still stuck to my forehead, a reminder of the heat that had lingered just moments before—as if my body couldn’t decide which world it belonged to.

Memories of being chased on the beach by my parents flashed through my mind—the playful giggles we held in our throats, the scorching heat of the sun, and yet the comfort of my parents' hands guiding me. The hot sand stung my feet, leading to my dad lifting me high on his shoulders. All these memories returned as a tightness gripped my chest, a storm of dark thoughts swirling like iron that refused to rust.

My breathing shifted, the darkness of the closet shadowing my thoughts but erupting in cries. I felt a wave of sickness rising, my stomach knotting. Figure eight formed as the weight of responsibility made itself visible, hinting that the future would be independent and hard.

Suddenly, I felt the softness shift around my foot. No, I mean literally. My eyes rolled down, curious to see what it was. Rio. My baby. She jumped onto my lap, her small paws brushing against my legs, grounding me amid the storm of my thoughts. Her tongue, a soft brush, painted delicate strokes of warmth across my wounded cheeks like a quiet breeze smoothing over the surface of a still pond.

Her eyes—bright and knowing—showed hurt, care, and need for me. And for a fleeting moment, the storm inside me paused. My chest tightened as if the burden had been snatched away somehow. It eased at the thought of having a shoulder—even a left arm. Just like we never notice the value of something until we lose it, we often forget that the things we take for granted are gifts. The right hand needed the left, and Rio needed me, just as much as I needed her at that moment.

I stroked her fur, the sensation of her gentle breathing making my chest tighten. She nuzzled closer, curling up in my lap, her small body a quiet anchor in this chaotic sea of thoughts. There was no judgment in her eyes, no questioning, just a silent understanding. She was here, present, real, and somehow that made everything else fade into the background.

I held her a little closer, as though I could absorb some of her simplicity, her pure presence. She licked my hand, a small gesture, but it felt like the universe. It was the kind of gesture I had needed all along—something grounding, something real.

As Rio nestled into me, I allowed myself to simply breathe, to be present with her in this fleeting moment. Tomorrow, the weight would return. But for now, I wasn’t alone. And maybe, just maybe, that was enough.

-Sheeza

P.s: Thank you for taking the time to read Chapter 1 of The Past. Tony’s journey is one of self-discovery, struggle, and the small moments that give us hope.

Have you ever had a moment where someone—or even a pet—helped ground you during tough times? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or feedback about this chapter.

Feel free to leave a comment below, and let’s start a conversation! Your insights mean the world to me as I continue writing this story.