Her Worth
She walked to the park, the familiar path calming her. The world seemed quieter here, even though it was still 12 o'clock.
The smell of fresh grass and the sound of distant birds were the only things that made sense.
As usual, the old man was sitting on the same bench by the small pond, his weathered face creased with age, his hands resting on a cane.
He was the only person she could talk to besides Isleen, and today, she felt like she needed to ask him something important.
She walked over to him, a little hesitant but knowing he wouldn’t judge her the way others did.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Good morning *sits beside him on the bench*
Old Man At The Park
Ah, good morning. How are you today? <smiles>
The old man looked at her with a smile, his eyes warm despite the deep lines etched into his face.
She paused for a moment, unsure how to phrase her thoughts.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
I don't understand something *tentative voice*
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Why do people get married?
The old man’s smile softened, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if considering her question carefully.
Old Man At The Park
Ah, marriage, huh? *says softly, thinking deeply*
Old Man At The Park
Well, people marry for many reasons. Some do it because they love each other, because they want to share their lives.
Old Man At The Park
Others marry because it’s expected of them, or because they want to have a family.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
*nods slowly processing his words*
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
But... why does it matter if people love each other?
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Why do they need to get married to share their lives?
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Isn’t just being together enough?
Old Man At The Park
You’re an intelligent girl, aren’t you? *chuckles softly*
She didn’t answer him. She was used to people saying that, but she didn’t know if it was true.
Old Man At The Park
You’re right, in a way *nods slowly*
Old Man At The Park
Love is important, but marriage... it’s something more than that for some.
Old Man At The Park
It’s a promise, a commitment to each other. *saying softly*
Old Man At The Park
It’s about building a life together, making a family, and sometimes... it’s about being recognized by others.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
*frowns trying to make sense*
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
But why does that matter?
The old man paused, looking out at the pond for a moment. Then he spoke, his voice soft but filled with wisdom.
Old Man At The Park
Because people want to belong, my dear. *says gently*
Old Man At The Park
They want to feel like they matter. Like they have a place in the world. For some, getting married is a way to make that feel real.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
But... isn't it all about forming a stable union? *blinks innocently*
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Where individuals can secure better conditions for raising children, passing on their genes more successfully.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Biologically it's for survival of the species. But I don't need another human being to survive *flatly*
Old Man At The Park
*dumbfounded*
Old Man At The Park
.... *burst into laughter* 😂
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
*confused* 😶
She was confused thinking why he was laughing. It didn't seem like she said anything funny. In fact she sounded absolutely logical.
He finally stopped laughing and looked at her. The silence stretched before she finally said.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
What if... what if you don’t need to belong like that?
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
What if you don’t care about being with someone just to belong?
Old Man At The Park
*smiles gently*
Old Man At The Park
Then that’s your choice, and no one can take that from you.
Old Man At The Park
You don’t need to get married to matter, or to belong. You matter just as you are, even if others don’t see it.
Old Man At The Park
It’s not about what others think of you. It’s about what you believe you deserve, and what makes you happy.
His words felt like a small anchor, something steady in the midst of her storm of confusion.
She had never considered that before—that her value wasn’t tied to belonging or to the expectations of others.
She wasn’t broken for not understanding what marriage meant. She didn’t have to marry anyone to prove she was worthy.
Her fingers twisted in her lap, a nervous habit, but her mind felt clearer now. Maybe marriage didn’t matter to her. Maybe her worth didn’t depend on it either.
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
Thank you *says quietly*
Astria Rodrigues (FL)
I think I understand now.
Old Man At The Park
*smiles*
Old Man At The Park
I’m glad, child.
Old Man At The Park
Remember—don’t let the world make you feel like you need to fit into their box. You’re worth more than that.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like she could breathe, like there was something she could hold onto.
The stars seemed a little closer now, and the weight of the world felt a little lighter.
_____________________________
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2025-03-13
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