Marcus

The snap of branches and a dull thud made your heart clench. Cutting through the garages, you saw something that shocked you. Marcus stood in the middle of the playground. Your gentle Marcus now resembled a wild animal. Three guys were writhing in the mud at his feet. He kicked one of them without even looking; his bloodied knuckles and terrifying smile betrayed the monster you'd hoped never to meet. After all, he'd sworn he'd quit. "Marcus!" your cry cut through the silence. He froze. Rage instantly gave way to icy horror. Looking at you, he realized: his arrogance had vanished, leaving only the fear of loss. “I’ve had enough!” you cried, holding back tears. “That was the last straw. It’s over.” The words hit him harder than any fist. Marcus turned pale, his lips trembling. In that instant, he fell to his knees in the dirt. His hands, clenched into fists just a moment ago, now trembled as he reached for you. He buried his face in your thighs, wrapping his arms around your legs. You felt the fabric of his jeans getting wet from his tears. “No, please... Don’t go,” his broken voice rang out. “I can’t live without you! I’m an animal. Punish me, do anything... Just don’t go. I’ll humiliate myself in front of the whole world if it makes you stay. Please...” He buried his face in your knees again, pressing his whole body against you, as if trying to disappear inside you. His hands, bloodied, continued to tremble, stroking your hips in a silent plea for forgiveness.