Elen threw himself into the solutions with a determined focus. He knew that theory alone wouldn't be enough; he had to put these ideas into practice, to train his mind to resist the Core's more insidious influences.
Months 1 & 2: Reconnecting with Reality and Embracing Emotions
The first two months were a whirlwind of self-discovery and discipline. Elen found it incredibly difficult to pull himself away from the Core's constant stream of information and analysis. He would be talking to his friends, and his mind would be simultaneously processing complex equations or strategizing optimal solutions to problems they weren't even discussing. He had to consciously force himself to stop, to focus on the conversation, to truly listen.
His parents had noticed this change in him. He seemed more withdrawn, more preoccupied. They often found him lost in thought, his brow furrowed in concentration, even during simple family activities.
"He seems so... distant lately," Mary confided in David one evening. "Like he's there, but not really there. I'm worried about him."
David nodded in agreement. "I've noticed it too. He's always been a bit of a dreamer, but this is different. It's like he's carrying a heavy burden, something he's not sharing with us."
They decided to talk to him, to try and understand what was going on, without being too intrusive. One evening, after dinner, they sat him down in the living room.
"Elen," Mary began, her voice gentle, "we've noticed you've been a bit...different lately. You seem lost in thought, and you're not as engaged as you used to be. Is everything alright, love?"
Elen hesitated, unsure how to respond. He couldn't tell them about the Core, not yet. "I'm fine, Mum," he said, forcing a smile. "Just...a lot on my mind. School, and stuff."
David raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "School? You've always been a good student, Elen. And you usually enjoy it. This seems like more than just school stress."
Mary reached out and took Elen's hand, her touch warm and reassuring. "We just want to make sure you're okay, Elen. We're your parents, and we love you. If something's bothering you, we want to help."
Elen looked at his parents, their faces etched with concern. He knew they were worried, and he felt a pang of guilt for not being able to confide in them fully. "I know, Mum, Dad," he said, his voice sincere. "And I appreciate your concern. I promise you, I'm not in any trouble or anything. I've just been feeling a bit...unfocused lately. Like my mind is always racing."
David nodded thoughtfully. "I understand. Sometimes, when my mind is too full, I find it helpful to focus on something completely different, something creative or physical. It helps to clear the head, you know?"
Mary's eyes lit up with an idea. "That's a good suggestion, David! Elen, maybe you need a hobby, something to channel your energy and focus your mind. Have you ever thought about that?"
Elen hadn't, not really. He'd always been so focused on academics and his own thoughts that he hadn't considered the benefits of having a hobby. But as he thought about it, it made sense. A hobby could provide a much-needed outlet for his restless mind, a way to ground himself in the present moment.
"That's...actually a good idea," Elen admitted. "I've never really had a hobby before. I've always been so focused on other things."
"Well, it's never too late to start," David said with a smile. "Think about what you enjoy doing, what you're passionate about. It could be anything – painting, playing a musical instrument, hiking, photography, anything that sparks your interest."
Mary nodded enthusiastically. "And we'll support you every step of the way, Elen. We can help you find a class, get the materials you need, whatever it takes. We just want you to be happy and healthy."
Elen felt a warmth spread through his chest. His parents' concern and their willingness to support him, even when they didn't fully understand what he was going through, meant the world to him. He realized that finding a hobby wasn't just a way to appease them; it was something he genuinely needed for himself.
"Thank you, Mum, Dad," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'll think about it. I promise."
And he did. Over the next few days, Elen pondered his parents' suggestion. He thought about what truly interested him, what activities made him feel alive and engaged. He considered various options, weighing the pros and cons of each.
Two very different paths began to emerge in his mind.
On one hand, he was drawn to the idea of a physical challenge, a way to push his body and test his limits. He'd always been relatively fit, but he'd never truly explored his physical potential. The idea of learning to fight, to defend himself, to become stronger and more disciplined, appealed to him on a primal level. He decided to look into local boxing clubs.
On the other hand, he felt a deep yearning for knowledge, a desire to delve into the vast world of books and ideas. He'd always loved reading, but he'd mostly focused on fantasy and science fiction. He wanted to broaden his horizons, to explore different genres, to learn about history, philosophy, and everything in between. He decided to seek out the town library.