Chapter 20. Passion & Weapon

 "What exactly is love?" I once questioned my father, back when I was young and the concept of love was just a phrase on my lips. He grinned and paused before responding.

"A combination of passion and weapon" he stated

"Passion and weapon?" I thought I heard something wrong.

"Indeed, love and fear," he said, his smile still on his face.

We sat on a chair in the small garden, which my mother had tenderly tended outside the city house where I had spent my youth.

"Fear and Love? How are they related?" I inquired out of genuine curiosity.

"Fear of losing the one you love, fear of remaining in love with someone until death parts you," he replied.

"However, fear is harmful; it can paralyze you, impede self-discovery, and prevent you from daring to step outside of your comfort zone, how are love and fear related?" I inquired, striving to solve the conundrum that danced in my head, seemingly without resolve.

"Love is a passion, and fear i