Marcus leaned back in his chair, his eyes strained from hours of staring at dense textbooks and computer screens. The initial excitement of learning and proving the app wrong had faded, the harsh reality of how much he still had to learn settled in his mind. Each page he turned seemed to uncover new layers of complexity, and every problem he solved revealed ten more he didn’t know how to approach. He swore he learned all these content but as soon as he turned to the next topic the previous ones disappeared from his memories like they never existed and it frustrated him to no end.
His bedroom, once a sanctuary of comfort, now felt like a confining cage. The posters of classic novels and vintage movie prints on his walls seemed to mock him, reminding him of the simpler passions he once pursued without the weight of these newfound responsibilities. The digital gadgets that once fascinated him now seemed like stubborn puzzles, each refusing to give up its secrets easily.
Marcus sighed and rubbed his temples. He had spent the entire day wrestling with beginner level calculus problems, only to find himself repeatedly stumped. It felt like everything he leaned for the exams vanished , he felt like grasping at straws and while video tutorial were helpful , it often assumed a level of understanding he didn’t possess yet. His frustration mounted as he felt the gap between his current knowledge and what he hoped to achieve. He wanted to know what would happen when he reached level 1. Something in his mind was dreaming to do so.
As he stared blankly at the pages of "Calculus Made Easy," a notification pinged on his phone. He glanced at the screen, surprised to see a message from his friend Alex.
Alex: "Hey Marcus, haven’t seen you in ages! We’re all heading to the park tonight to hang out. You in?"
For a moment, Marcus considered ignoring the message. He felt guilty about taking a break when he was making such slow progress. But the thought of escaping his room, even just for a few hours, was incredibly tempting. Maybe a change of scenery and some time with friends would help clear his mind.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Marcus: "Hey Alex, sounds good. I could use a break. See you guys there in an hour?"
Alex: "Awesome! Can’t wait to catch up."
Marcus shut his books with a decisive thud and set them aside . This action made him feel a bit more free and made him realize he needed a mental break. He changed into something more casual, grabbed his jacket, and headed out the door.
As he walked to the park, the cool evening air helped clear his head. The familiar sights and sounds of his neighborhood were comforting, a reminder that there was more to life than the pressure he was putting on himself. He passed by the old bookstore where he used to spend hours lost in the pages of classic novels and the coffee shop where he and his friends would debate over the latest movies. Each step away from his desk felt like shedding a layer of stress.
By the time he reached the park, he could see Alex and a few other friends gathered near a bench, laughing and chatting. The park was bustling with life; kids played on the swings, couples strolled hand in hand, and a group of teens played an impromptu soccer game on the grass. The energy of the park was infectious, and Marcus felt a smile creep onto his face.
“Marcus! Over here!” Alex waved him over with a big grin.Marcus felt a warm rush of relief. “Hey guys, it’s good to see you.”They spent the next few hours catching up, sharing stories, and joking around. The weight of Marcus’ frustration slowly lifted as he enjoyed the simple pleasure of his friends’ company. He didn’t talk about his struggles with the “Voyage” app or any technopathic nonsense , but being around people who cared about him reminded him that he wasn’t alone.
The conversations flowed effortlessly. They reminisced about high school antics, discussed the latest movies, and debated the merits of various music genres. At one point, they grabbed ice cream from a nearby vendor and wandered the park, their laughter echoing through the night. It was a stark contrast to the solitary grind of his studies, and Marcus found himself feeling lighter and more optimistic with each passing minute.
As the night wore on, Marcus felt a renewed sense of determination. The break had done him good, and he realized that while the journey ahead was daunting, it was also an incredible opportunity. He didn’t have to conquer everything at once; he could take it one step at a time and lean on his friends when things got tough.
“Hey, Marcus,” Alex said as they sat on a bench, finishing their ice cream. “You’ve been pretty quiet tonight. Everything okay?”
Marcus hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Yeah, just a lot on my mind. But being here with you guys... it’s exactly what I needed.”
Alex smiled. “Good to hear. Don’t be a stranger, alright? We’re always here for you.”
Marcus nodded, feeling a swell of gratitude. “Thanks, Alex. I really appreciate it.”
When he finally headed home, the frustration that had plagued him earlier seemed distant. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but he also knew he had the strength to face them. And with the support of his friends, Marcus felt ready to embrace whatever came next.