Protecting Sasha

    By Hope Monatisa

    Protecting Sasha cover image

    06 Apr, 2024

    a young man in a black leather jacket standing in a hallway with lockers behind him and a clock on the wall, a poster, tom of finland, northwest school, Christopher Perkins

    Noah, a rich kid with a bad boy persona, walked through the high school hallways. His piercing blue eyes swept over the crowd, a silent command for respect.

    a couple of people that are standing together in front of a building with people behind them looking at the camera, a poster, perfect faces, mannerism, Brad Holland

    Sasha, a girl burdened by her circumstances, accidentally bumped into Noah. Her weary eyes met his, causing a spark that neither of them expected.

    a woman holding a baby in her arms in a room with peeling paint on the walls and a window, a character portrait, award-winning photograph, neoism, Daniel Lieske

    Sasha returned home to her baby brother. She cradled him in her arms, a quiet promise to protect him from their abusive parents.

    a man in a leather jacket standing in front of a building with a sky background and a street light, a photorealistic painting, promotional image, photorealism, Fletcher Martin

    Noah, unable to forget Sasha's eyes, decided to follow her home. He watched from a distance, the reality of her life shocking him to his core.

    a couple standing next to each other under a tree at night with stars in the sky above them and a full moon in the sky, poster art, promotional image, cloisonnism, Felix-Kelly

    Noah confronted Sasha in the park. He promised to help her and her brother escape, his feelings for her making him determined to protect them.

    a painting of a couple standing in the park at night under a full moon and stars sky with trees and street lights, a detailed painting, official art, sots art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons)

    Sasha, scared but hopeful, agreed to his plan. She saw the genuine concern in Noah's eyes, and for the first time, she felt safe.

    a family standing in a kitchen with a dog and a dog on the floor in front of them and a dog on the floor, a poster, promotional image, american realism, Dan Scott

    Noah brought Sasha and her brother to his house. They were overwhelmed by the warmth and safety they felt, a stark contrast to their previous home.

    a man and a boy sitting on a couch in a living room together, one of them is holding the other, a photorealistic painting, official art, photorealism, Brothers Hildebrandt

    However, Noah's overprotectiveness started to strain their relationship. Sasha craved freedom and independence, but Noah's fear for her safety kept him from understanding.

    a painting of a couple standing in front of a crowd of people in a stadium, one of them is kissing the other is looking at the other, a hyperrealistic painting, extremely detailed oil painting, photorealism, Drew Struzan

    Despite the tension, they attended their graduation ceremony together. Seeing Sasha walk across the stage, Noah realized he needed to give her the freedom she deserved.

    a woman standing in front of a crowd of people in a graduation cap and gown with a smile on her face, a photo, promotional image, heidelberg school, Eva Gonzalès

    Sasha, on the other hand, realized that Noah's overprotectiveness stemmed from his love for her. She decided to communicate her feelings and need for independence to him.

    a couple of people standing next to each other under a night sky with stars and moon in the background, poster art, official art, sots art, Felix-Kelly

    They talked under the stars, expressing their fears and hopes. Noah promised to loosen his grip, and Sasha assured him of her ability to protect herself.

    a painting of a man and a girl hugging under a full moon sky with trees in the background and a full moon in the sky, a detailed painting, highly detailed digital painting, sots art, Brothers Hildebrandt

    With their love stronger than ever, they looked forward to a future filled with challenges and happiness, knowing they had each other to lean on.