CHAPTER 3

10 YEARS AGO…

Marcus barely noticed the late hour as his fingers flew over the keyboard, the words on his screen blurring slightly from the strain of staring too long. His focus was broken by the soft, concerned voice of his mother, Juliana, as she appeared in the kitchen doorway.

“Oh, son, aren’t you done yet? Look at the time; you’re still awake.” Her tone was gentle, but there was no missing the worry in her words. 

He glanced up and met her gaze, feeling an immediate sense of calm wash over him. The warmth of her presence was a quiet, grounding force amidst the chaos of his late-night work session. Juliana’s face, though slightly lined from years of dedication and hard work, was still undeniably beautiful.

Her features, which had matured gracefully, carried the kind of strength and resilience that only time and experience could impart.

In that moment, Marcus was reminded of how much his mother had endured and how much she had given for him to be where he was today. It wasn’t just her physical beauty that struck him, but the depth of her character that shone through every line on her face, every wrinkle that told the story of her sacrifice, love, and determination.

Her eyes, a soft brown like his own, held a quiet affection as she looked at him amidst the clutter of his books and laptop. Despite the exhaustion that weighed on him, Marcus felt a sense of peace in her gaze, as if the world outside his immediate surroundings didn’t matter. He had always found comfort in his mother’s presence, a soothing balm for the stress that often consumed him.

Her gaze was tender, and as she took in his tired state, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of her concern. Even though his own body was worn from hours of study, the simple act of meeting her eyes and receiving her quiet support made him smile, albeit tiredly. It was a smile that carried a mix of gratitude and love, a silent acknowledgment of how much she meant to him.

“I have to, Mom,” he replied, his voice steady but tinged with weariness. “To make sure I graduate.”

He glanced up and met her gaze, feeling an immediate sense of calm wash over him. The warmth of her presence was a quiet, grounding force amidst the chaos of his late-night work session. Juliana’s face, though slightly lined from years of dedication and hard work, was still undeniably beautiful. Her features, which had matured gracefully, carried the kind of strength and resilience that only time and experience could impart.

In that moment, Marcus was reminded of how much his mother had endured and how much she had given for him to be where he was today. It wasn’t just her physical beauty that struck him, but the depth of her character that shone through every line on her face, every wrinkle that told the story of her sacrifice, love, and determination.

Her eyes, a soft brown like his own, held a quiet affection as she looked at him amidst the clutter of his books and laptop. Despite the exhaustion that weighed on him, Marcus felt a sense of peace in her gaze, as if the world outside his immediate surroundings didn’t matter. He had always found comfort in his mother’s presence, a soothing balm for the stress that often consumed him.

Her gaze was tender, and as she took in his tired state, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of her concern. Even though his own body was worn from hours of study, the simple act of meeting her eyes and receiving her quiet support made him smile, albeit tiredly. It was a smile that carried a mix of gratitude and love, a silent acknowledgment of how much she meant to him.

“Alright, I’ll make you a snack and prepare some coffee,” she said, her voice as soothing as a lullaby.

Her gaze flicked briefly to the clock hanging on the wall, its hands showing that it was already well past midnight. As she moved toward the counter, Marcus felt a surge of gratitude. Even at this late hour, his mom was there for him, offering her support in the simplest but most meaningful ways. 

The quiet ticking of the kitchen clock was a stark reminder of the hour—it was already one in the morning. Marcus knew his mother had a point; staying up so late wasn’t ideal. But he also knew that sacrifices had to be made.

This thesis was his last major hurdle before graduation, and he couldn’t afford to be complacent. Every keystroke on his laptop brought him closer to achieving a dream that had been years in the making. Fatigue tugged at the edges of his mind, but he pushed it aside, fueled by determination. 

“My class starts late tomorrow, Mom, so I’ll still get some sleep,” he said, trying to sound reassuring.

Marcus glanced up briefly to see Juliana’s worried expression soften at his words. He appreciated how much she cared, always making sure he balanced his responsibilities with his well-being. Despite his exhaustion, her presence gave him a small sense of comfort.