Issue 51: March 2024

March

ISSUE 51

20 24

Contents.

Entertainment Enough Internet for the Day (4-5) Inspirational Women in Honour of International Women’s Day (12-13)

Writers

Charlie Dowey Evan Alexiou Jess Bourne

Health & Lifestyle

How One Student Launched Her Own Sports Therapy Business (11)

Creative Writing

Hunt for the White Tiger (6-7) Haiku Collection (10) Champion (16-17) What If (18-19)

Designers Bronze Sparks Charlie Dowey Ellie Astill Evan Alexiou Liam Stearn

Photographers Evan Alexiou

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Editor’s Message

The Demon Team

Deputy Editor Noé Ponte

Entertainment Editor Elena D’Onofrio

Health & Lifestyle Editor Robbie Childerhouse

News & Discussion Editor Maria Regina Semedo

Sports Editor Iga Lapinska

Creative Writing Editor Jonathan Castro

Head of Editorial Design Liam Stearn

Head of Photography Evan Alexiou

Hi everyone, and thank you for picking up our March issue for this year!

While a smaller issue this month, it’s still filled with amazing contirbutions from everyone involved -- a lot of creative writing pieces for you to enjoy in particular!

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I did!

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Welcome to enough internet for the day. In this column we’ll be discussing the Craziest, Funniest and Scariest trends from Internet History. Get ready to feel every emotion ever as we go through the wacky world of internet trends. Warning: some of these trends could be dangerous to your health.

Please don’t try anything harmful as part of an internet trend.

Cinnamon Challenge (2011): The Cinnamon Challenge - a spicy internet craze from back in 2011! Picture this: folks daring each other to gulp down a spoonful of cinnamon without a drop of water, all for the glory of social media. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? Well, turns out, this challenge wasn't all fun and games. Swallowing a cinnamon storm can actually wreak havoc on your lungs, causing coughing fits, gag reflexes, and even trouble breathing. Inhaling that spicy powder can lead to serious trouble like pneumonia! Doctors were quick to wave the red flag, urging everyone to steer clear of this fiery challenge. They launched campaigns left and right to spread the word about the dangers, and health groups issued warnings fast.

Harlem Shake (2013): The Harlem Shake was THE dance craze of 2013, taking the internet by storm! Imagine this: one brave soul, rocking out to "Harlem Shake" by Baauer in a mask, while everyone else acted clueless. Then, BOOM! The beat dropped, chaos ensued, and a dance party erupted! These 30-second gems flooded social media, thanks to their quirky vibe and room for creativity. From individuals to bigwig companies, EVERYONE jumped on the Harlem Shake bandwagon, adding their own spin. But like all good things, the craze fizzled out fast after a brief moment in the spotlight. Even though it was a flash in the pan, the Harlem Shake left a lasting impression on online culture, proving how a viral trend can unite the digital masses in a wild dance-off!

Mannequin Challenge (2016): The Mannequin Challenge swept the internet in 2016 like a quirky tornado. Imagine freezing like a statue while the camera danced around you capturing the wildest freeze-frame moments! This viral craze took over Instagram and Twitter, turning ordinary spaces into frozen wonderlands - from classrooms to concerts. What made the Mannequin Challenge stand out was its flair for drama, with people striking epic poses like living statues. Celebs, sports teams, and even politicians jumped on the bandwagon, creating their own frozen masterpieces. As quickly as it appeared, the trend melted away after a few months, as happens with viral fads.

Dabbing (2015): Dabbing: a quirky dance move that boogied its way into the limelight back in 2015. Picture this: a sneeze-like head drop with arms in funky flight mode - that's the dab! Born in the hip-hop and rap realms, this move was the cool kid on the block, swaying everyone from artists to athletes to celebs. It spread like wildfire, popping up in social media snaps and videos everywhere. Despite some naysayers claiming it got a tad too popular for its own good, the dab made its mark on pop culture, still popping up now and then in various settings.

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The Floor is Lava Challenge (2017): The Floor is Lava Challenge is like a spontaneous party game where you pretend the ground is molten lava and must leap onto furniture or hop on objects to stay safe. It's all about reliving those childhood moments when the floor was a danger zone and you had to dodge it like a ninja. Back in 2017, this Challenge erupted on social media, with peeps on Instagram and YouTube posting crazy videos of themselves dodging the "lava" in homes, offices, and even outdoor spots.

It was a riot to see the imaginative and sometimes wacky ways they kept off the fiery floor. Like all trends, it eventually cooled off, but not before leaving a trail of giggles and clever videos behind.

Tide Pod Challenge (2018): Remember the Tide Pod Challenge fiasco? God, that was stupid! Back in the day, this wild trend had people chomping on laundry pods like it was the latest snack sensation! But oh boy, those colourful pods are no joke - packed with chemicals that can lead to a laundry list of health horrors if eaten. Thankfully, health experts, safety groups, and even the makers of Tide detergent stepped in to slam the brakes on this messy challenge. YouTube also hit delete on any videos promoting this risky business, underlining their no-nonsense stance on dangerous dares. The Tide Pod Challenge stirred up a storm of criticism for its sheer silliness, with everyone from celebs to influencers shouting from the rooftops about the dangers of downing detergent. While the trend eventually faded away, it left a lasting lesson on the hazards of hopping on the viral bandwagon and the need for a good dose of online responsibility.

Momo Challenge (2018): The "Momo Challenge" A spooky internet bogeyman that haunted screens in 2018. Picture a creepy sculpture named "Momo" sliding into kids' social media DMs, whispering dark dares and causing a stir among grown-ups. This online scare fest sent shivers down the spines of parents, teachers, and law folks. Rumour had it that Momo was pushing youngsters to do risky stuff or worse, harm themselves. Surprisingly, despite all the drama, there's no real proof that anyone got hurt by Momo's antics. It seems like Momo was just a big, exaggerated ghost story that got out of control, thanks to social media and news hype. To tackle the Momo madness, online platforms and cops advised everyone to stay sharp and report anything fishy. This eerie tale of Momo reminds us to doublecheck the facts online before hitting that share button and keep our wits about us in the digital jungle.

Alright, that was a few of the biggest trends the last few years thought the internet. I think I am zoned out from researching and remembering all this. All I can say is: Enough internet for the day!

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HUNT FOR THE WHITE TIGER In the land of Liu, summer and springtime were considered holy seasons. The emperor had long decreed that everyone in the empire should celebrate when the sun shines brighter and the air is warm again. The people of Liu treated the warm weather with euphoric respect. The citizens of the empire would gather around the temples, praying constantly that the warmth would never end. They would attend countless festivals, celebrating by dancing, singing, and drinking. Liu loved the summertime.

Autumn was treated with a dose of fear and anxiety. Yes, the people of Liu would spend the fall season preparing for the dreaded winter. Winters in the land of Liu were not the same as everywhere else. You see, the winter in the land of Liu came in the form of a beast. A furry beast with claws that would rip your flesh apart. Teeth sharper than any sword in the world. The beast brought winter with it every year. If the beast was not defeated, though, winter would never leave. Liu would become a frozen hellscape for eternity.

Thus, the citizens spent the autumn period preparing for a hunt, training their strongest sons to become hunters. Because whoever killed the beast would become a Guardian of Liu – a position of power, wealth, and prestige. The Guardian would spend the rest of his life being worshiped by the peasants, even living with the emperor and joining him in the halls to dine and wine with his majesty.

It was another autumn when a poor peasant boy named Wen Hao decided to join the hunt. Wen Hao was never good at fighting; he preferred literature, classics, philosophy even. Destiny, however, always finds a way. His father had raised him alone since he was little. He was the only family he ever had. Wen Hao’s father had been ill for years. Wen Hao knew that his parent did not have much time.

“If I kill the beast and become a guardian, we can live in the palace hall,” he said.

His father was initially against it, but he knew there was not much he could do to stop the rampaging youth. Before he left for the Hunter’s camp, his dad gave him one last piece of advice. In case they never saw each other again, he whispered something, and with tears in his eyes, he waved his son goodbye.

Wen Hao approached the Hunter’s camp. There he met fellow hunter number 1001, the last one to join. The emperor had ordered weapons and armour to be given for each hunter. Wen Hao chose a leather armour, not as protective as iron, but it gave him more flexibility and mobility. He also picked the bow as his weapon.

The days went by, and the hunters trained, waiting for the first sign of snow. He trained vigorously, sparring day and night. He even became closer with two of his sparing partners, a very strong boy named Fang, son of a butcher, and the regal son of a regent named Yi. The nights they spent waiting, they sat around the fire for hours, drinking, eating, laughing, and, most importantly, telling stories.

“I heard the beast used to be human,” said Fang. “They say it was a jealous emperor's concubine. After being rejected, she swore vengeance on him and his kind.

People say she keeps reincarnating to exact her revenge.”

刘⽂好

WRITTEN BY:

刘⽂好

DESIGNED BY:

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“Peasant ghost stories,” cried Yi. “I’ve heard from scholars that the beast is a reflection of your own self. Like a mirror.”

They asked Wen what he thought. “I don’t care so long as summer returns,” he retorted. They drank to that. He didn’t really care about the weather; he just wanted to save his dad.

The next day, snow started falling. The hunters split into squads and started to search the lands. They searched everywhere: valleys, forests, hills, rivers, caves, and mountains. Wen Hao’s group of 50 men ended up in the Mountains of Eternal Bliss.

They spent a night in the cave near the entry of the mountain. The next day they would dare try to reach the mountaintop.

Wen Hao entered the cave first to scout the location. He was not brave nor foolish, just desperate. As he was exploring the cave for a bit, he noticed a figure in the distance. A woman was sitting on a rock looking at him.

“Who are you? What are you doing here?” he shouted.

“I am a local hunter,” she answered. “Relax, I mean you no harm.”

He let his guard down and struck a conversation with her.

“When are you going to the mountaintop?”

“Tomorrow... it’s been a few long months. I just hope I can end this tomorrow.”

“Why, hunter?”

“So summer can come back.”

“Do you really care about the summer? Honestly.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Remember my advice, hunter; maybe this world doesn’t deserve a summer.”

He felt offended by those words. He got up and went to get his men. When they entered the cave, the woman was gone.

The next day, Wen Hao and his group climbed the mountain. It got colder, and snow fell heavily. They faced challenges like tough terrain and wild creatures. As they reached the top, a fierce snowstorm hit. But Wen Hao kept going, and they finally faced the legendary beast.

The battle was hard, and many hunters fell. Wen Hao fought well, using his bow. As the sun set, he struck the final blow, ending the beast. It vanished, leaving a calm scene. Wen Hao stood tired but victorious.

Returning as the hero, he became the new Guardian of Liu. The emperor welcomed him warmly. Spring came, and people celebrated, unaware of the complexities beneath their joy. Wen Hao, in his new role, pondered the mysterious woman's words, questioning if the world truly deserved a perpetual summer.

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Evan Alexiou

Sunset Goodbyes

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Kane Binersly

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Somebody turned off the rain and the sun come out

Haiku Collection DISCOVERY OF THE HEART'S WAY Before you found me, The path that led to my heart, was a narrow one.

FRAGILE RESOLVE I did not have strength, No power to shoulder on.

I was weak back then.

NOSTALGIC YEARNING You looked like a dream.

How I miss our teen romance.

This wild side of love.

LEGACY OF STRENGTH You left behind you, a stronger, better person.

Your true legacy.

AWAKENING TO LOVE Hopeless fool I was.

Trying to understand love, Without seeking it.

LOVE'S TEMPEST What a storm love is, Furious waves struck my heart.

Leaving me weaker.

SILENT RESILIENCE The dust has settled.

The heart is still but alive.

The clock is now stuck.

HEART’S CREDITS I feel them coming.

I hate when they roll for us.

Those damn end credits.

ECHOES OF LOVE UNFELT I think I've read of The magic of love's embrace, Yet never felt it.

UNHEALING WOUND WHISPERS OF REGRET REBIRTH THROUGH SUFFERING I won't tell a lie.

Regret whispers soft, You tore me apart, Sometimes this hurts like a wound. In the silence of the night, Slowly before I knew it.

Echoes of the past.

You made me brand new.

That won't close with time.

FADING DREAM Sometimes I believed, It wouldn't happen to me, I would not be loved.

REALIZATION'S EMBRACE SOULFUL AFFECTION MOMENTS OF RELIEF I doubted myself, Why do I love you?

Truth has to be told.

Nothing fake about your soul. Sometimes the past don't hurt me But in your embrace I found, Strength beyond my doubt.

Authenticity. and I feel alright.

SELF-DOUBT'S WHISPER Deep down I believed, That I did not deserve it.

Love and happiness.

UNSTOPPABLE WITH YOU Nothing could stop me, Always felt invincible.

With your great support.

END OF THE SHOW The curtain falls now.

In our romantic parade and our lights are gone.

UNCHARTED HEART Lost until you came, Navigating uncharted, Now my heart has found.

LOST MOMENTS OF SELF I think now and then, I was nowhere to be found.

Lost again, within.

ETERNAL REMEMBRANCE Memories of you, Endless nights turning to days.

Days turning to nights.

FINAL BOW Our show is over. and we are moving backstage.

No more sweet parade.

GRATITUDE'S EMBRACE Through trials we've faced, In your love, I've found my grace, Thank you, always.

TRYING TO FIND ME Trying to find me, That's what I always wanted.

I tried and I failed.

END OF THE VOYAGE WORST PLACE IN THE WORLD RENEWAL'S PROMISE We are at the docks.

Worst place in the world?

In the darkest night, Nothing more cold and painful, Our ship has reached a new shore. Hope whispers of new dawn's light, The journey's over.

Than your cold shoulder.

Renewal awaits.

SEARCH FOR CLARITY I could not tell you, What I was looking for then.

I still do not know.

SORROW HOME IN YOUR EMBRACE Remembering you.

Where I want to be?

Best place in this whole wide world. The tears gather like the rain.

Being in your arms.

I can't hold it back.

PERSISTENT OBSESSION My favourite thing, A persistent idea.

Something in my mind.

PAINFUL HONESTY HOMEWARD BOUND Let's be honest once.

One last thing for you.

You hurt me and I hurt you. Let's go home, my sweet sweet love.

Hate it but it's true.

Time to leave this place.

Written by Evangelos Designed by Bronze Sparks

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How one student launched her own sports therapy business Lots of us have seen awful sports-related injuries at some point on TV or whilst attending a game.

Injuries and emergencies can happen unexpectedly.

Putting safety measures in place helps players to avoid potential injuries and means that incidents can be responded to effectively. Measures include using appropriate gear, access to first aid kits and conducting risk assessments.

Accidents still happen though.

Meet Tanwen Moon, a driven 19-year-old student and qualified sports therapist, who is well-equipped to deal with such incidents. Tanwen has earned a level 3 diploma in sports massage alongside her studies at university. She also spends time volunteering as a youth rugby first aider on weekends.

On top of that, she runs a sports therapy business called Moons Massage. She works from her very own studio providing clients with pre-event and post-event massages as well as sport taping. These services help players to stay at the top of their game.

Tanwen founded the business when she was 18, blending her enthusiasm for both sport and physiotherapy.

Tanwen’s journey hasn’t been straightforward.

Initially, she aimed to study for a degree in physiotherapy - a passion sparked by her “grandmother’s career in the NHS and a personal experience with physio after a childhood injury.”

However, having missed certain grades on results day, it meant that she had to reconsider her next steps. She later found a Sports and Exercise Science course at Swansea University through clearing where she now studies.

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When the chance to take an intensive three-day sports massage course came up, Tanwen swiftly jumped on the opportunity. This course marked the beginning of her career in sports therapy.

Understandably, building a business at 18 presented numerous challenges and triumphs. Given this, the business has only faced minor setbacks.

Many young entrepreneurs feel their age often holds them back, but this didn't put the brakes on Tanwen’s business. Positive reviews from clients quickly solidified the quality of her work.

Tanwen is very social media savvy so she has been able to apply her skills to produce content for her Instagram and TikTok pages. Establishing a distinct online brand has helped Moons Massage to stand out on those platforms.

“My passion for social media has proved instrumental” she shared.

Taking on such a big project at a young age certainly “introduced unique considerations”, said Tanwen. But, the positive reception from people online has certainly got her excited about what lies ahead.

Tanwen’s dedication to learning and helping people is truly remarkable. As such, her impact in the world of sport is sure to grow.

Follow Tanwen Instagram: @moonsmassage_ TikTok: @moonsmassage_

Written & Designed

By Charlie Dowey

Inspira(onal Women In honour of Interna(onal Women’s Day In a world full of misogyny, Interna4onal Women’s Day celebrates female empowerment and recognises all women and their achievements.

I will be looking at some of the most inspira4onal women that have walked the Earth and giving a li@le insight into how they changed the world for the be@er.

Rosa Parks In 1955 in the USA, the front of public buses was reserved for white ci4zens whilst the remaining seats were for black passengers. On one par4cular ride on the bus, all the white passenger seats were taken and so the bus driver requested that a row of black passengers move to let a white man sit down. And while three passengers obeyed the request, one did not. This was Rosa Parks. She was later arrested for her ac4on, but this did not stop her from “Feminism isn’t about making dedica4ng her life to changing the world for the be@er women stronger. Women are and ensuring that black and white people are treated equally. already strong; it’s about

Malala Yousafzai

changing the way the world perceives that strength.” – G.D. Anderson.

In 2012, Malala spoke out about allowing girls in Afghanistan the right to learn. Because of this, she was shot on the leQ side of her head by the Taliban. She then woke up ten days later in a hospital in Birmingham. AQer the tragic incident, she decided that she would keep figh4ng un4l all girls received an educa4on. She established the Malala Fund, which is dedicated to ensuring girls can follow their dreams and, in 2014, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Malala strives to ensure that all girls receive at least 12 years of free, safe, and quality educa4on.

Mary Seacole From a young age, Mary’s mother taught her many of her skills using tradi4onal Jamaican medicines.

Mary used to prac4se these skills on her toys and her pets. AQer travelling to different countries and learning about different medicines, she became a nurse to those that had fallen ill with cholera in Kingston. In 1953, she was caring for vic4ms of the yellow fever epidemic. Wan4ng to u4lise her skills, she approached the Bri4sh War Office and asked to be sent to the Crimea to treat the wounded soldiers, but she was refused. Mary’s dedica4on to helping the ill saw her fund her own trip. During this, she set up the Bri4sh Hotel, which was a place for soldiers who needed rest and recovery. Mary would oQen visit the ba@lefield to help the wounded and she gained the name ‘Mother Seacole’. She passed away in 1881, but is remembered for her good ci4zenship, her achievements, and her entrepreneurship.

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Marie Curie When Marie Curie was 24, she decided that she wanted to go to university. She was unable to a@end the University of Warsaw as the Russian Government forbade women from seeking higher educa4on. But that didn’t stop her: she a@ended the Sorbonne University, in Paris and, once there, she conducted research on radia4on for her thesis. Marie and her husband, Pierre, discovered a new element that was around 400 4mes more radioac4ve than Uranium. It was named Polonium. Marie then discovered that Radium was even more radioac4ve. The pair then proved that Radium was successful in destroying diseased cells and therefore could be used to treat cancerous tumours. Even aQer she passed away, her scien4fic work has changed science forever and for the be@er.

Florence Nightingale

“We need to live in a culture that values and respects and looks up to and idolises women as much as men.”

– Emma Watson

As a teenager, Florence would help the sick in the village where she lived. As she grew older, she realised that she wanted to become a nurse and aQer studying in Dusseldorf, she started working at the Ins4tute for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in London. AQer the Crimean War started, Florence led a group of 38 other nurses there. When they arrived, Florence was shocked at the state of the facili4es.

There were low hygiene standards, a lack of vital medica4on and infec4ons spread easily. Florence made a point in telling her nurses to regularly wash their hands, and clean thoroughly. Once back from the war, Florence con4nued campaigning to reform the Bri4sh Army. Since her passing, she has been remembered for the advice that she gave in running hospitals and the kindness and commitment that she had in pa4ent care.

Eleanor Roosevelt Eleanor Roosevelt had a difficult childhood: both her parents died before she was ten and she was raised by her cri4cal grandmother. Eleanor went on to study at London’s Allenwood Academy where she learned all about social and poli4cal development. She returned to New York in 1902 and started teaching immigrant children and families. But then she met Franklin and they married. During WW1, Eleanor volunteered with relief agencies. As the First Lady, when Franklin was elected in, she was an advocate for women. Eleanor fought to bring world peace, was commi@ed to end racial jus4ce within her civil rights work and she even worked on the Equal Pay Act of 1963. Eleanor’s ac4ons during her life encourage others to raise their voices and take ac4on where necessary.

So, here are six inspira4onal women. They served their countries and ensured that women today can hold their head high and be proud of themselves. Whether you’re a mother, a student, a poli4cian, a scien4st, a nurse, a builder, or a teacher – always be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.

Inspira4onal women are everywhere, so on March 8, 2024, reach out to your mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin, friends and show them some apprecia4on. But also show yourself some love and be proud of yourself for everything that you have been able to achieve in life.

Written by Jess Bourne

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Lachlan Roessner

Blissful Ignorance

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Lachlan Roessner

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The Champion “Disclaimer: This story contains themes of panic attacks, loss, and emotional distress.

Reader discretion is advised, as these topics may be triggering or upsetting to some individuals. If you or someone you know is struggling with similar issues, please seek support from a qualified mental health professional.”

Marc sits in his hotel room on the edge of the bed, shirtless. His upper body is sweaty and scarred, a testament to the pain he's enduring. His heavy breathing and laboured exhales reflect his exhaustion. He feels as if his guts are tangled, a physical manifestation of the emotional toll of his training.

Alone in his room, he stares blankly at the TV screen. Today's training drained him entirely. While he's been through boot camps before, none have been as gruelling as this one. At his age, in his mid-30s, Marc is starting to feel the weight of time, especially in a sport as demanding as cage fighting.

The day's training session left him feeling defeated, as if he's let himself down. Behind him, nestled comfortably in the pillows, rests his Championship belt—a symbol of his achievements. It's more than just leather and metal; it represents his journey to the top, fulfilling the dreams he had as a child, just as his father waiting back home always wanted.

Being a champion defines Marc. It's taken him years to reach this point, overcoming numerous injuries in his twenties and enduring rigorous rehabilitation. Three months ago, he finally got his shot at the title. But now, doubts creep in. "You're at the twilight of your career," a reporter had said at the press conference. Marc brushes off such remarks, dismissing the reporter's understanding of the fight game.

Yet, it's not just the reporter who holds this opinion. Even Marc's trainers and friends share concerns about his age. They believe he's past his prime, that time is catching up with him. Alone in his hotel room, Marc grapples with fear!

The new challenger looms large—powerful, robust, and, most significantly, young. It's his first shot at a title, and Marc feels a surge of apprehension. It's not the challenger's youth or physical strength that unnerves Marc, though. Rather, it's his stare. In the depths of those eyes, Marc sees a familiar eagerness, determination, and savagery—the same qualities he himself possessed in his younger days.

Compounding Marc's anxiety is a nagging injury—a minor leg issue, nothing major, but enough to unsettle him. The doctor has cleared him to fight, yet Marc knows he's at a disadvantage. And then, in a moment of realization, it happens.

He sweats profusely, his body drenched despite the absence of physical exertion. Why is he sweating? He's supposed to be resting, yet his body betrays him. His chest feels as though weighed down by tons of iron, each breath a struggle against an unseen force. His breathing feels strange, each inhalation and exhalation marked by an unsettling sensation. Something is happening, something urgent, unfolding in the present moment.

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He feels it. His heart races, each beat louder and faster than the last. Nausea grips him, the sensation akin to riding an endless rollercoaster at breakneck speed. His body reacts, tiny hairs on his arms and legs standing on end, sending shivers down his spine.

A cold, icy shiver courses through his entire being, a chilling reminder of the overwhelming turmoil within.

I'm going to die. That's it. It's over, he thinks to himself, consumed by dread. I'm going to die young, just like my dad. The weight of unfinished business bears down on him.

There are so many things I haven't sorted out—my mom, my family, my fiancée.

Everyone is waiting for him back home, but he can't bear the thought of returning. Tears well up in his eyes as he collapses onto the floor, staring at the ceiling, struggling to draw in each breath.

What about my championship? My title? he cries out internally, desperation lacing his thoughts. I want to defend it. I have to defend it. I can't lose it. I can't... I don't want to lose. I'd rather die than lose it. This bitch is mine. I don’t care if I lose the entire world, I won’t lose this belt. This is my childhood dream. Don’t take away my dream. The weight of his ambitions presses down on him as his eyelids grow heavy, darkness closing in as he teeters on the brink of unconsciousness.

His agent woke him up, alarmed by his unanswered calls, only to find Marc in the throes of a panic attack. Though not life-threatening, Marc felt like a shattered mess. Despite his agent's pleas to seek medical help, Marc's anguish boiled over, and he lashed out, screaming for solitude.

"Get out! You'll get your money whether I'm alive or well. So, why do you care?" His words were harsh, but his agent relented, sighing in resignation before leaving Marc alone in his turmoil.

Tears welled in Marc's eyes as he reached for his phone, his heart heavy with the weight of his emotions. With trembling fingers, he dialled his mom's number, seeking solace and comfort in her voice.

"Mom, it's me. I'm not doing great, Ma. I'm scared, Ma. I'm afraid. What if I lose, Mum? What if I become a failure?" Marc's voice trembled with anxiety as he poured out his fears to his mother.

"I would still love you, my boy. Nothing changes that," his mother reassured him gently.

"But, Ma, what about Dad? He's waiting for me, Mom. I haven't been home for five years.

I've missed him. I want to return as a champion, a son he can always be proud of. I want to make him proud. Earn his hug. I don't want to be a failure!" Marc's desperation was palpable, his voice thick with emotion.

A heavy silence hung between them as Marc's tears fell unchecked.

"Marc, my sweet boy, how many times have we been through this?" his mother's voice was tender but firm. "Your father died three years ago."

WRITTEN BY: EVAN ALEXIOU

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DESIGNED BY: EVAN ALEXIOU

In a summer vacation home in an exotic place, Alice woke up in a double bed without any clothes. She looked at the ceiling and sighed. Alice exclaimed, “Oh! God!” She noticed that he was missing. She put her hand to touch the spot he had been laying. She got up with sheets on and noticed her clothes on a chair across the room. She dressed up, grabbed her shoes, and headed towards the exit door. She then noticed a note in the mirror saying, “Breakfast this way,” with an arrow pointing towards the balcony. She grabbed it, read it, and smiled.

Alice entered the balcony and put on her sunglasses. Ethan was sitting there, sipping on some iced tea and admiring the view. He was sitting next to a table with a luscious breakfast spread all over it. An empty chair was sitting on the other side of the table. He turned around and noticed her, gesturing with a smile for her to join him. She walked over and sat down in the empty chair.

“Good morning,” he said.

“Morning,” Alice replied.

“Want some breakfast?” Ethan offered.

“Thanks!” she replied.

“This place is amazing, isn't it?” Ethan remarked.

“Yeah. It's beautiful and warm. Like paradise,” Alice said. They stopped talking and enjoyed some breakfast. She sipped on some juice. He enjoyed his coffee.

After a long pause, Ethan broke the silence. Ethan cleared his throat. “Look. About last night...”

“Yes?” Alice prompted, her tone tinged with anticipation.

“Last night was a very, very drunk experience. An experience I wanted to live through for years,” Ethan confessed, his voice carrying a mix of vulnerability and honesty.

“Same here,” she admitted.

“So we both wanted this. For years. Back then we used to laugh and joke and play around. For years. But no one pulled the damn trigger,” Ethan continued.

“I wanted you to pull the trigger,” Alice confessed.

“Before we knew you were going out with my friend. And I with your friend,” Ethan added, his words laced with regret and longing.

A heavy silence fell between them. It hung in the air like a weight, each of them grappling with the implications of their shared history and missed opportunities.

Alice spoke up. “And then you left. You left abroad. And you left behind every single one of us.”

Ethan sighed softly. “Yeah... I remember. I... things are different abroad. So far from everyone and everything. Everything around me was so brand new. It makes the mind weaker.”

“So, you forgot about us?” Alice questioned.

“Some of you maybe.”

“Did you forget about me?”

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“No. Never. You never forget your what-ifs,” A single tear escaped Alice's eye, betraying her emotions, as a large pause followed their exchange.

“I guess if you forgot about me you wouldn't be here. Why did you come to my island?” Alice asked.

“Isn't it obvious?”

“I want to hear you say it.”

“I was hoping I would find you,” he admitted.

“That you did. What now?” she asked. A pause followed as Ethan refilled his drink and Alice enjoyed the breakfast, the weight of their shared history lingering between them.

“I have no illusions,” Ethan confessed solemnly.

“Good,” Alice responded.

“I know that we both live different lives now.”

“That is true.”

“However... I do not wish last night to be the only night of our sweet what if! I have 5 days left on this vacation, on your island. Therefore, I want to live 5 days in paradise, with you. Even if it means I have to return to my harsh and cruel reality afterward,” he said.

“And how are you going to achieve this?”

Ethan pulls a key from his pocket and places the keys in her hand. He comes closer to her, face to face.

“This is the only backup key to this house. If you want to live 5 days together. Call it a what if. Call it a paradise. Call it what you want. I don't care. If you want 5 days with me then take these keys and use them.”

“And what if I don't want to?” She asked him.

“Throw them in the ocean and let them sink. I don’t know,” Alice laughed it off.

“Always so dramatic,” yet she knew he was serious.

They share a quick kiss. A kiss of separation. She got up and left the balcony, leaving him standing there with the weight of their uncertain future lingering in the air.

Alice walked up and down the beach, the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shore accompanying her thoughts. With earphones in place, she listened to music, each song stirring memories and emotions within her. As she pondered her decision, her gaze kept drifting to the keys in her hand, a tangible symbol of the choice before her.

Back and forth she paced, her footsteps leaving imprints in the sand as she wrestled with her thoughts.

Eventually, she stopped and turned towards the vast expanse of the ocean, the evening sun casting a golden glow over the water. With a deep breath, she took one last, lingering look at the keys, her heart heavy with uncertainty yet tinged with possibility.

Ethan sat in front of the TV, the dull glow of the screen reflecting in his eyes as he idly flipped through channels. Boredom crept over him, and he let out a tired yawn, his eyelids heavy with the promise of sleep. With a resigned sigh, he reached for the remote and shut off the TV, the sudden silence echoing through the room. Just as he was about to retreat to his bed, a knock at the door startled him. He hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gnawing at him, before mustering the courage to approach. With each step, his heart beat a little faster, anticipation mingling with apprehension. Taking a deep breath, he reached the door and paused, gathering his composure. He turned the doorknob and opened the door.

Pg19

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