Who Is the Superhero of Your Life?

I'm always on the lookout for an escape route.

—

When I was a child, I thought it would just be my father (being my superhero, I mean). There was always something about him that gives me hope, laughter and joy. I've always been closer to him than with my mum, so sharing stories with him always felt natural.

He held me at my weakest, brought me to trips that some kids my age wouldn't have had the chance to, and would always buy me the most amazing books to read. And he was also the one who introduced me to the world of movies, stories, The Beatles, and the fine art of drinking wine. I loved him so much.

My eyes twinkled every day at the sight of him coming back from work, but these days the twinkles are quickly becoming blurry. I thought he was going to be the only superhero in my life forever.

But I've never been so wrong.

Fast forward to my college days when everything started to change. Life actually began. Adulting was creeping up to me really quickly and it all felt really scary. It wasn’t all that enjoyable as to how I would’ve pictured it 20 years ago, though making friends at this point of life was the best thing that happened to me.

Many defining moments happened, and yet I felt like I was an outcast: from my studies to graduating at 26 to properly working at 27. I still feel this way though, and it would really take some time for me to read just these thoughts in my mind. And maybe, just maybe, I'm getting there.

Slowly, but surely.

I've also realised now that I was constantly looking for ways to stay away from home. Even making plans with friends just to see a movie was difficult, to say the least. It was getting very uncomfortable and overwhelming to the point I fell ill. I missed my superhero.

And after so much emotional trauma and painful heartbreaks, late 2017 was the time I got extremely lucky. The universe had been listening to my prayers! It decided that it was time for this angel to appear in my life and save me from the misery. I've probably added some dramatic effects, but you know where I'm getting at.

My boyfriend has been so supportive of me since day one, and he's constantly making sure I'm on my way to being the best version I can possibly be. A version where I can look at myself in the mirror and say, "Hey, I'm doing great." Someone I can depend on; regardless of any adversity I face.

He has been so patient and caring, as if he was heaven-sent. I’m not exaggerating this bit here, because he really is an amazing person. All the turmoil happening in my mind feels so much at ease when he’s around me. And I really just hope I can do the same for him.

I love him 3000, and I can’t tell him this reference just yet as he hasn’t watched the Endgame. (He’s about to in a few hours’ time!) Still trying my best not to give him spoilers but it’s really hard!

—

No matter how far I plan to go, I know I still have to come back to reality and face (problems) myself. But with my universe holding my hand at every step of the way, there shouldn't be too much to frown upon. We got this. We do.

I'm currently learning ways to depend on myself too. I know I want to be my own superhero, and I can. But till then, I'm comfortable and happy being where I want to be—in the arms of my superhero boyfriend.