ECHOES OF EDEN, Neil Perry

03| FEAR OF FORGETTING

But beneath the surface lay a boy ensnared by the expectations of his father, a man whose authority loomed over Neil's every decision. Lucien couldn't help but feel a pang of frustration at the thought. Why couldn't Neil's father loosen the reins, allow him the freedom to explore, to indulge in extracurricular pursuits that might bring him joy? After all, Lucien reasoned, Neil was destined for success regardless—destined to follow in the footsteps of a doctor. Surely a few diversions wouldn't derail that predetermined path.

Lucien understood the dynamic of tough love all too well, having grown up under the weight of it himself. His parents, particularly his mother, wielded their disappointment like a weapon, a constant reminder of how his existence had derailed her dreams. She had sacrificed her aspirations to raise him, resenting him for every missed opportunity, every shattered ambition.

His father's hand was cruel but his mother's disdain was palpable. A relentless presence that hung heavy in the air, poisoning even the simplest of interactions. Lucien bore the brunt of her bitterness, absorbing her contempt like a sponge, internalizing the notion that he was somehow to blame for her unhappiness.

Sure, his mother despised him, her resentment fueled by the fact that he had effectively derailed her career. She had been on the brink of success, poised to graduate as a prima ballerina from Julliard, but his unexpected arrival had shattered those dreams. Now, she made it her mission to remind him of his role in her downfall at every opportunity, her reproach a constant echo in the halls of their home.

But despite the onslaught of her disapproval, Lucien had learned to navigate the treacherous waters of their relationship, forging a steely resolve in the face of her animosity. He refused to let her bitterness define him, recognizing that her resentment was not a reflection of his worth, but rather a projection of her own unresolved disappointments.

Lucien's father played the role of a dutiful husband to perfection, constantly bending to his wife's will to avoid her wrath. He prioritized her happiness above all else, even if it meant disregarding his children's desires, particularly Lucien's. His sister, Victoria, found herself relegated to the sidelines, her actions often overlooked or excused under the guise of her unfortunate association with her "problematic" brother.

Despite the familial discord, Lucien harbored a secret affinity for his sister. They shared a bond forged in the crucible of parental neglect, finding solace and understanding in each other's company. Victoria's presence provided a reprieve from the hostility that permeated their household, offering a glimpse of companionship in an otherwise tumultuous environment. Though Lucien would never openly admit it, he treasured their relationship, finding in his sister a rare ally amidst the chaos of their family dynamic.

Lucien harbored grand ambitions for his future, envisioning himself as a celebrated writer whose words would resonate through the ages. Yet, despite his unwavering determination to pursue his literary aspirations, he grappled with the daunting prospect of sharing his work with the world. Even Julien, his trusted confidant, remained unaware of the depth of his creative endeavors, a testament to Lucien's guarded nature and the fear of exposing his vulnerabilities.

Amidst the backdrop of familial discord and parental expectations, Lucien's journey towards literary greatness faced yet another obstacle: the looming specter of his parents' disapproval. Their judgment and scorn served as formidable barriers, challenging his resolve and testing his courage at every turn. Despite these adversities, Lucien remained steadfast in his pursuit of artistic expression, determined to carve out a path for himself on his own terms.

The locker room felt strangely empty without Lucien's presence. Before returning to his room, instead of diving into his homework like Todd, Neil found himself lost in thought, gazing at the pictures of past students adorning the walls. Did they experience the same tumultuous emotions he had been wrestling with for some time now? Was it typical, or was it merely a byproduct of being confined within the walls of Welton with a group of hormonal boys?