The Wall of Sins

The sun shone brightly, its warmth bathing the cobbled streets below. The sky overhead was a clear, vivid blue, dotted with puffy clouds that drifted lazily in the gentle breeze.

"Faron, walk slowly. Don't stray," his mother warned.

Faron, a small boy just tall enough to reach his mother's hip, hopped across the cobblestones, determined to avoid every crack. He wore a brown tunic over a simple white T-shirt, and a tattered brown hat perched on his head.

"Mom, don't worry, I'm not going far," he called, his eyes fixed on the ground as if the cracks might swallow him whole.

He stuck out his tongue in concentration, telling himself, Step on a crack and you die!

Suddenly, an especially wide crack appeared before him. The next cobblestone plate seemed far away, and his heart pounded. If he could jump that distance, it would be an incredible feat.

If I touch the crack, I will die!

The thought sent a rush of excitement through his small body. Taking a few steps back, he bent his knees, one hand stretched forward, the other behind him—just like a sprinter at the starting line.

Glancing left and right, he felt every passerby's gaze on him. I'm the center of the world, he thought, grinning.

Go!

He launched off the cobblestones, nearly slipping on loose pebbles, but he managed to keep his balance. Sprinting full tilt, he reached the edge of the stone and pushed off with all his might, rising into the air.

"WOOO!" he cried, his arms flailing in excitement.

For a fleeting moment, he was certain he'd make it—until he felt his momentum drop.

"No! No!"

His toe caught the edge, but not enough to steady him. He landed just before the cobblestone plate, his foot slamming onto the crack. His body pitched forward, and he crashed face-first onto the ground.

"Ouch!" he cried, wincing as small pebbles dug into his skin.

"Faron!" his mother shouted, rushing over. Her footsteps thundered across the cobbles, and anger colored her voice.

"Why would you do something so reckless?" she scolded, brushing gravel from his hair. Noticing the pink mark forming on his forehead, she blew a gentle breath to soothe the sting.

"Mom, I'm fine," Faron protested, trying to push her away. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes, but he refused to cry in front of strangers.

She ignored his complaints, still fussing over the spot on his forehead. "That was so foolish, Faron! You could have been seriously hurt!"

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, his cheeks burning in embarrassment. "But please stop; everyone's watching."

"If you listened to me, no one would be staring right now," she snapped. After inspecting him for additional scrapes, she let him go. "Now, walk like a normal boy, right next to me. Got it?"

He patted his knees and brushed off his pants. "Yes, Mom… I understand," he said, rubbing his sore head.

"Good. Now hold my hand." She extended her pale fingers toward him.

He quickly sidestepped her. "No way, Mom. Everyone's looking."

She sighed, shaking her head. "You really don't listen, do you?"

A mischievous smile spread across his face. "Don't worry, I won't fall again."

"You'd better not," she warned, "because if the ground doesn't hurt you, I will."

Faron shivered under her threat, knowing she didn't take disobedience lightly.

"Now let's go meet Lyn. We still have errands to run afterward," she said.

At the mention of Lyn's name, Faron's eyes lit up. He scampered ahead, excitement beaming from his face.

"What a silly boy, having a crush at ten years old," his mother muttered, glancing at the brilliant sky before turning back to keep an eye on him.

She caught sight of him bending his knees again, clearly preparing another leap.

"Faron, are you kidding me? You're doing it again?" she exclaimed, breaking into a jog to catch him.

He heard her but ignored her warning. Last try! he thought. Narrowing his eyes, he crouched low, palms on the cobblestones, as if readying for a race.

"Faron, I'll really slap you if you try that jump!" she shouted, but Faron's excitement won out.

One… two… three… GO!

He dashed forward, his toes pressing hard into the ground. As he leapt into the air, he willed himself to reach the far cobblestone. Make it! Make it!

Time seemed to stretch in that moment. The street blurred around him, and his small arms and legs elongated. His face sharpened, transforming from a boy's features into those of a young man.

When his feet finally touched the ground on the other side of the crack, Faron stood tall—no longer a ten-year-old boy, but now a young man. He glanced over his shoulder at the crack, smirking as if to congratulate himself on the successful leap.

"Faron, you idiot!" a girl's voice cut through his thoughts.

Turning, he saw Lyn, her long blonde hair catching the sunlight. A frown etched her fair face.

"You're seventeen, and you're still acting like a little kid!" she scolded, marching toward him.

Faron chuckled, brushing the dust from his trousers. "It just reminded me of something from a long time ago," he said.

Lyn let out an exasperated sigh, though she helped him tidy up. "Seriously, you need to grow up."

"Yes, yes," he replied, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, what do you want to eat?" He tried patting her head, wearing his usual smirk.

"Anything you want," she said flatly, pushing his hand aside. The frown still hadn't left her lips.

"Why are you still upset, Lyn? It was just a jump," he teased, scratching the back of his head.

"You got hurt last time, remember? And here you are trying it again!" She exhaled sharply. "Can't you be a little more mature?"

Faron offered a weak laugh. "All right, my 'mature' girlfriend, I'll behave." He reached out and gave her a warm hug.

She huffed but didn't push him away.

"Let me make it up to you," he suggested. "How about we find something to eat?"

"Fine, but nothing greasy," she insisted, sliding her hand into his. "And nothing too sweet, either. Also…"

She continued listing everything she didn't want, without mentioning what she actually preferred.

By nightfall, the sky had dimmed, ceding the heavens to the glowing moon. Just outside the city, an open field unfurled beneath the faint starlight. At its center stood a single magnificent tree, its broad branches arching over a small, tranquil lake. A simple swing dangled from one sturdy limb.

Lyn sat on the swing, and Faron stood behind her, giving gentle pushes. The soft creaking of rope against wood accompanied the distant croaking of frogs by the water's edge.

"When do you think we should get married?" Faron asked suddenly.

"Are you out of your mind?" Lyn blurted, nearly losing her balance on the swing. "We're too young. Besides, you still have to grow up. Your mom pays for everything right now!"

"What's the point of waiting?" Faron said, a playful smile curving his lips. "If we get married, we'll figure it out. And don't worry—I'll make enough money one day to support both of you. My mom will never have to work again, I promise."

"Oh, really? And how will you pull that off? By jumping over cracks in the street?" she teased, giggling.

He smiled sweetly. "Don't you worry, Lyn. I'll make it happen. One day, I'll whisk you away and keep you with me always."

They continued to talk and laugh until Lyn grew tired of swinging. They settled at the base of the tree, gazing at the moon's reflection rippling across the lake's surface.

"Do you believe the Wall of Sins is real?" Faron suddenly asked quietly.

Lyn, resting her head on his shoulder, shook her head. "It's just a story to scare naughty kids."

"I think it's real," he replied, eyes distant. "Somewhere out there, the wall exists."

She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "If it does… will you protect me?"

Faron studied her bright blue gaze, the moon's pale glow making her look almost ethereal.

"I'll protect you," he promised, voice full of conviction. "No harm will ever come to you. You're mine to protect."

A gentle smile curved her lips as she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his mouth.