Warrior Lover

What is this, if not providence’s own conspiracy? I had not sought her glance, yet it arrived. I had not wished to be seen, yet she saw. I had not longed for a place in her thoughts, yet something tells me I linger there. Or do I? And yet, reassurance kept arriving—through unexpected encounters, fleeting smiles 😊. I never knew my heart was so hollow, so endlessly wanting more! Academy days became beautiful, meaningful and somewhat – purposeful. It’s providence we’re talking about, isn’t it? It amuses us, yet always maintains its checks and balances. And in the end, it did what it does best—it conspired to separate us!

Mission failed. No cryptic message, no sign. The brightness of anticipation faded into the dullness of despair. I turned, my head hanging low. Just as I was about to give up, the moment I would cherish forever unfolded! She stood before me, close, not by accident, but by choice! “You won hearts in the academy yesterday. Congratulations!” She spoke and walked away. “Won, you say? Actually I lost, my heart…“ But the words never left my lips.

That night, sleep refused to accompany me. Not for the feared master's recognition, but for the echo of her applause. Again and again, I replayed the moment, searching for meaning. Was it mere obedience to the master's command? Or did she truly see something in me? The next day, for the first time in my academy life, my stroll through the hallways had a purpose. A glimpse of her—that was all I sought. To let her gaze pierce my heart. To etch her face upon its walls. To see her with open eyes, and even more vividly when closed. Yet, when the moment I sought finally arrived, it caught me unprepared. Stunned motionless, I failed to grasp it. And before I could blink, it was gone. She was nowhere to be found. A chance—lost.

In our academy, you see all kinds of students—some masters' favorites, some aspiring to be. I was among the rest, yet I fit into no group. Strolling through the gardens, gazing at flowers, pretending to water the plants... Nothing in particular ever caught my eye. Not until that day! I do not recall the exact feat, but a feared master of the academy chose, for the first time, to recognize and applaud me before all. Just as overwhelm was about to set in, amidst the waves of applause, one stood out above all—hers! That brilliance in her eyes, the measured yet visible smile, the genuinely appreciative glance—drew not just my attention, but my entire being!

I am Warrior Lover. Now, I am at peace. But once, I ran—not in pursuit, but in devotion. Before I was a warrior, before I was a lover, I was simply one who saw beauty and could not look away... I take a walk down memory lane, to steal one more appreciative glance. Would you walk with me?

"So tell me, charming young man, what kept you going? How did you persist?" "Master, it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. It is better to dance and trip than to never dance at all. I am #WarriorDancer." THE END.

"I danced today, Master. The fear wasn't gone, but it didn’t stop me at all!" "You have discovered courage, charming young man—the strength to move despite fear. And that means, at last, dance has chosen you. 😇"

"What if they laugh at my dance, Master?" "Then you laugh harder, and dance fiercer."

"Master, how come I love dancing, yet I fear dancing?" "Because dance reveals to you your true self. And truth can be as terrifying as it is beautiful."

"How come others can dance, Master, but I cannot?" "It is the universe that dances, charming young man. Those who embrace its flow, whether knowingly or unknowingly, seem to dance. And those who resist, seem to falter."

"Master, I cannot dance." "Do something dance-worthy, then dance will come." "What if I still cannot dance?" "Then be happy you did something dance-worthy."

 "Friends, I'm home. 🤗" "Finally! Does it mean you are no longer angry?" "Far from it. But from this time on, I will be it's master." "Welcome home, Warrior Lover!" THE END --- The journey wasn’t without struggle, but every stumble brought lessons, and every encounter offered growth. From the student who sought guidance to the traveler weighed down by guilt, and finally to the warrior who learned to master his emotions, our protagonist’s path has been one of transformation. It wasn’t about finding someone else to fix the ache, nor about chasing something out of reach. It was about looking within, loosening the grip on burdens, and embracing the freedom to move forward. And now, having returned home, he is met not with judgment but with pride and warmth. Because in life, love—whether from friends, family, or even oneself—is not about perfection but acceptance, growth, and shared joy. To you, dear readers, may this Valentine's Day remi...

 "Wise Stranger, my every step feels heavy. The guilt of inaction, regret of sabotage, and the embarrassment of missteps weigh me down." "Stumbling, then picking yourself up, is an important and unavoidable part of learning to walk, Traveler. If you must carry them, carry them as lessons, not as failures." "Then, Traveler, you might start to see the giver of them as a teacher, worthy of your silent admiration. Without burdening them with expectation of reciprocation."

 "You strike aimlessly, Warrior. Are you distracted?" "My anger is drawn elsewhere, Opponent. I cannot focus it on you entirely." "Focus comes from peace, Warrior, not from anger. Would a warrior of your calibre not know this?" "Peace feels out of reach when all I have is regret." "Then seek acceptance - it is the bridge between regret and peace."

 "Stop being so angry, son. Don't you see it is consuming you from the inside?" "But anger, Dad, is the only feeling I'm allowed to have for her."

Warrior Lover - Transformation is a collection of flashes from a disgruntled warrior’s life—his struggles, encounters, and the journey through his unrest—leading to his transformation into his true self. Read on, and see what it takes to rise from struggle to self-discovery. --- "Master.. should I stop being angry with her?" "If you can." "Inner peace 😇... Aaargghh 😤"