-So what do you want to do now Ash?-
-Got any plans for the future kid??-
-Oh your son is so intelligent, I bet he'll do great thing in life.... ..-
-I bet Ash will become a doctor, oh maybe a lawyer...oh his such a well mannered and bright boy -
That's what they all say, each and everytime, the same thing really, over and over and over again .
Like a damn record player stuck on loop. It's always the same.
'they have high expectations for you, you're their way out kid.'
'Their little future money making machine, that's your purpose, nothing else nothing more, do you understand Ash??'
'Ash.....Ash ....do you understand me kid .....Ash wake up...wake up....WAKE UP!!!'.
*Panicked Screams*
"Oh sorry I woke you up man, but your mom said I could just let myself in soo...anyway come down stairs man, their all waiting for you ." Richard, Ash's best friend said.
Ash just holds his face and nods, Richard smiles.
"Hey man, don't stress so much, your Ash Moon, you've got this okay?" Richard asked, trying to be supportive.
"Okay...." Ash replied.
Richard nodded and got up, leaving Ash alone.
For weeks , maybe months, Ash has been having recurring nightmares.
'Some nightmare again, man I can't catch a break these days, it's just .... whatever man ' Ash thinks to himself.
He reaches for the desk besides his bed, grabbing his glasses, he looks at him closely before putting them on.
"Okay, you can do this Ash, just relax okay." He says, giving himself some confidence.
As he gets up and starts getting ready, he wonders why him of all people, I mean, he wasn't I dull kid but still.
'Just my luck, no clean shirts.' he thinks to himself, grabbing a shirt he hopes he didn't nut in.
'In life, you either get loving and supporting parents or the complete opposite, parents who say they know what's best for you.'
'*Oh Ash, you're so intelligent, I know you're gonna be a doctor right, I have friends who's children are doctors, their all successful now.*' mom would mostly say.
'* Nah, his gonna become like his old man, a hard worker, a man with integrity and charm, right son?*' Dad would always ask.
'no matter what you did or say, it wouldn't change a thing, you don't get to choose your life most of the times, but what can you do.'
'its all pointless anyway ' Ash thought to himself.
Ash he looked in the mirror, he wondered where that happy little kid who used to jump and sing at the thought of waking up early.
Now it's more like a punishment than a morning routine .
"Alright, let's get this bullshit over with." He says to himself, not bothering to clean his looks a bit.
The house is more vibrant than usual, and he knows why, he overheard his parents talk about surprising him with a party.
He really didn't like social gathering but this was an exception, he graduated high school at the top of his class.
His academic brilliance was so great, the government offered him a scholarship at any institution in the world.
Many would kill for an opportunity like that but not Ash, archiving that was like a side quest for him.
Now his parents are constantly pressuring him to choose a career soon, it started off as mere reminders.
But now it's constant asking and nagging, providing suggestions he has no say too.
The stepped down stairs, each step taking him further away from the safety of his room.
The closer he gets, he more he wants to run back upstairs and fake being sick, it always works before.
As the brightness of the living finally lands on Ash, he squints his eyes a bit, adjusting to the light.
-*Congratulations Ash!!, you did it!!!!*- Ash's family cheered on, everyone happy and excited.
His mom standing along side his cousins, aunts, his mom's friends and more.
His dad, giving him a approving thumbs up, his friend Richard eating away at their food.
He smiled awkwardly, forcing him to enjoy the activities.
"Hey everyone, thanks for coming over to celebrate." He says, trying so hard not to leave.
"Oh done be so modest dear, this is your day to shine sweetheart."
"Everyone, give a big round of applause for my genius son Ash" she said, trying to give him some support.
Everyone claps and cheers for Ash, placing all the attention on him.
He sits between everyone, all his relatives showering him with love and gifts.
As the party went on, Ash and Richard where drinking with his Dad. Discussing the good old times and how things change In life.
As Ash is about to take another sip, his mom pulls him back, causing the drink to fall.
"Sorry sweety, but I just need you for a few minutes, Kay?" She says, not waiting for him to answer.
She pulls him towards a old couple, his mom nudging him to make a good impression.
"Mr and Mrs Cray, this is my son Ash, the one who acquired a scholarship to any institution in the world." She says, feeling quite proud of herself.
"Yeah, it's nice to meet you too." Ash says.
"Well it's nice to meet you too kiddo." Mrs Cray says.
"Yes....yes very nice." Mr Cray adds on.
"Well Ash, my husband and I are the heads of the John Furry Institute of Technology, and well would love to have you with us." Mrs Cray said
"Yes . .yes, it would be a huge honour Mr Sky, yes." Mr Cray says.
"Well you see, I really....." but before he could continue, his mom intervened.
"Of course he will, why would he ever say no to that, right Ash?" She said, looking directly into his eyes.
Ash simply nods, not wanting to look at his mom.
Ash's dad sees this and immediately Intervines.
"Oh huh Ash, I need you to go and buy some hotdogs, it's a party and your old man can't go without his dogs."
He tells Ash, winking at him knowingly
"Yeah, sure, why not.....I'll be back." Ash says, telling Richard he'll be back.
With this Ash leaves the house, grabbing his bike and racing off to the most far super market.
'Hell yeah dad, that was cool.' He thinks to himself.
He speeds through streets at max speed, causing many to turn and watch.
After some time, he finally reaches the store. It's practically empty except for one asleep cashier.
He walks over to the frozen foods section, he grabs the hotdogs, but then he stops, he wonders.
"So what now, do I just buy these and head back home. "
"Maybe I should go somewhere and do something, but what exactly."
"No matter what I do, it's always gonna be the some, no matter what I do, I'll always be the some."
Ash says and ponders, looking at the pack.
He then feels a tap on his shoulder, he turns to find a red haired woman standing behind him.
She's wearing a long coat that reaches her feet, hands folded across her chest. Her face longs young, maybe In her 20s.
She unfolds her arms, her coat falling open.
Underneath she's completely naked, her bare skin on full display, Ash's eyes widen, his completely speechless.
"Hey kiddo, wanna play with me,I'll show you wonders." She says, biting her lower lip hard.