It seems like the only possibility that people see involving Neal's childhood was that it was terrible, that he was beaten and mistreated. But I don't think that's the only option. This was just me exploring the idea of his childhood being too perfect. You'll see, don't worry, I know that I'm confusing :) I just wanted a reflection that wasn't cliche, and this is what came out.
Disclaimer: I do not own White Collar!
My life was like an untouched stretch of sand along the water's edge. It was perfect, and if I were to step out and leave my footprints in the sand it would be ruined forever. Everyday I saw what I couldn't touch, blocked by an invisible wall built by my own hand. I wanted to run along the water's edge as fast as I could, I wanted to feel like I was flying, but I was stuck in the cage I trapped myself in. I was unable to move for fear of ruining that perfect life that lay ahead of me.
I gave myself no other option but to shy away from what I should have had. I should have followed in my parents' footsteps; I should have been the good boy that they raised me to be. I could have been what they were, honest and good people, but I didn't want to taint what they had built for themselves.
So I did the only thing that I could, I turned away when I should have followed. I broke the rules and became a con man. I learned what I needed to survive and look what that got me. I hungered for more. There were no more expectations, no more rules. I could do whatever I wanted without tainting perfection.
The stunts I did were the closest I ever got to flying. I launched myself out of windows, a small part of me hoping that I wouldn't make it, smiled my way out of a gun fight, a bigger part of me screaming that it was pointless. I disappointed everyone, my entire family.
Now I'm tethered with a two mile radius. A leash and collar my everyday fashion accessories. Speak on command, stay where I'm put. That's what happens when you're scared of ruining things.
A small part of me always hoped that something would go wrong with my life, that my father would beat me or that my mother would fall ill. Of course I never wanted those things, but I sought tragedy. I needed someone to walk on that beach before me, so that I wouldn't feel so bad if I messed up. It was expected, he wasn't taught, they would say, he deserved so much better.
I didn't.
I feel like that ending was really abrupt. Does anyone else feel this way? Please drop a review, tell me what I could do better or what you liked! I want to improve and I can't do it without your input! Thank you for reading :)