A Lone Journey

Miles observed Leo's face, his brows furrowing in concern. "Leo, you look like you've aged ten years since the last time I saw you. What happened?"

Leo ran a hand through his disheveled facial hair and sighed. "Yeah, it's been rough months," he admitted. "I've been preoccupied with... other things." His voice trailed off as he struggled to find the right words.

Miles looked at Leo intently. "You disappeared without a trace, Leo. We were worried about you. Why didn't you reach out to anyone?"

Leo's eyes hardened as he met Miles's gaze. "I needed to isolate myself," he explained curtly. "Being around people connected to my sister... it's too painful. I needed to find my own way to cope, to keep myself sane."

Miles shook his head, his voice filled with compassion. "Isolation isn't the answer, Leo. It's a way to escape the pain, but it won't make it go away. You need support, people who care about you."

Leo's jaw clenched, frustration evident in his voice. "You wouldn't understand, Miles. You have people who look out for you. But I'm the only one left, the only survivor. I have to bear this burden alone."

Miles stepped closer, his voice gentle but firm. "You're not alone, Leo. You may have lost your sister, but you still have people who care about you, us! Shutting us out won't make the pain go away. Believe me! We can face this together."

Leo's eyes softened momentarily, the weight of his isolation feeling momentarily lighter. "It's not that simple, Miles. You don't understand what it's like to be the only one left, to feel like you're living in a different world."

Miles's voice was filled with empathy as he reached out to Leo. "I may not have experienced the exact same loss, but I know what it's like to lose someone you care about. And I know that pushing away the people who care about you won't make it any easier."

Leo hesitated, his gaze shifting between Miles and the path ahead. He wanted to believe that he didn't have to face this darkness alone, but fear held him back. "I appreciate your offer, Miles. But right now, I need to figure things out on my own."

Miles nodded, his expression understanding. "Alright, Leo. Just know let me know whenever you're ready to reach out. You're not alone in this."

With those words, Leo turned and began to walk away, his mind filled with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. As he ventured further into the city, he couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, he didn't have to carry this burden alone. But for now, he needed to find his own path, even if it meant facing the darkness in solitude.

As Leo walked away, Miles on the opposite, a mix of concern and determination swirling in his thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling of powerlessness, knowing that Leo was carrying such a heavy burden alone. He had promised Grace that he would look after him, but it seemed that Leo was determined to face his demons in solitude.

Before fully disappearing from Miles's view, Leo turned back and called out to him. "Miles, listen. You can't tell anyone about this, alright? It stays between us. Promise me."

Miles felt a pang of disappointment, as he had hoped to confide in others about Leo's struggles, to gather support and understanding. However, he understood that building trust with Leo was of utmost importance. He nodded, trying to hide his reluctance. "I promise, Leo. I won't say a word to anyone."

With that, Leo gave a nod of acknowledgment and turned away once more. He swiftly darted in the opposite direction. Suddenly, his mind filled with memories of his beloved sister, Grace. The weight of his grief and guilt began to consume him, and he felt the beginnings of a mental breakdown.

In his frantic state, Leo's eyes caught sight of a nearby pharmacy. Without hesitation, he rushed inside, desperately seeking some form of solace. He approached the pharmacist, his voice trembling slightly. "I need antidepressants. Please."

The pharmacist, concerned by Leo's distressed state, inquired gently, "Sir, have you been seeing a psychiatrist? It might be helpful for you to seek professional guidance."

Leo, following his usual pattern of withdrawal, simply waved his hand dismissively. "No, no need. Just give me what I asked for."

Reluctantly, the pharmacist handed him the requested medication. Leo wasted no time and swiftly placed a pill in his mouth, hoping to find some semblance of calmness amidst the turmoil within him. As the medication began to take effect, his knees weakened, threatening to give out under the weight of his emotions.

Summoning his last ounce of strength, Leo managed to steady himself and pay for the medication before leaving the pharmacy. The concerned pharmacist watched him go, her worry evident in her eyes. She couldn't help but call out to him one last time. "Sir, please take care of yourself. Don't hesitate to seek help if you need it."

Leo, his voice barely a whisper, replied, "Thank you. I'll be fine." With those words, he walked away.

Leo, still reeling from his encounter with Miles and the overwhelming emotions that had consumed him, decided to hide his face once again by pulling up his hood. Blending into the crowd, he walked through the bustling streets, his identity shrouded in anonymity.

As he made his way, Leo's eyes caught sight of a camera store, the display windows filled with memories frozen in time. But also, the reminder of his sister's tragic death sent a shiver down his spine, and he quickly averted his gaze, unwilling to confront the pain that threatened to consume him.

Eventually, Leo arrived back at his humble dwelling, carrying a bag filled with three bottles of beer. He entered his home, removed his street attire, and grabbed one of the bottles. With a heavy heart, he sank onto the couch, seeking solace in the numbing embrace of alcohol.

As he continued to drown his sorrows, time slipped away unnoticed. Nightfall descended upon the city, casting shadows that matched the darkness in Leo's soul. Suddenly, he jolted awake from his stupor, realizing it was time for him to embrace his vigilante persona and take to the streets.

Leo swiftly donned his mask, adjusting it to ensure his face remained hidden from the world. With purposeful determination, he leaped onto the windowsill, using his web-shooter to close the window behind him. With a powerful swing, he soared through the night sky, propelled by a blend of adrenaline and a thirst for vengeance.