Peter sprinted through the streets, heart hammering, lungs burning, until he finally reached the doorstep of his home, gasping for air.
Earlier, his mood had been soaring. At Oscorp, he had worked alongside Dr. Connors, using formulas left behind by his parents to help unlock a genetic barrier that had long puzzled the scientist. Their efforts had succeeded the model confirmed, a small lab mouse with a broken leg had been fully healed.
If Dr. Connors could replicate this experiment for humans, countless lives might be saved.
But now, leaving Oscorp, Peter was hit by a sudden wave of panic as dusk settled over the city.
At noon, Bant had reminded him repeatedly not to forget to pick up Aunt May. But Peter had been too absorbed in his work with Connors to notice the passage of time.
It was late, and he couldn't be certain whether May was still waiting.
Racing toward her workplace, he found she was already gone Bant had come for her. A rush of relief hit him, immediately followed by guilt. Bant had saved him from his own forgetfulness, keeping his promise to ensure May's safety.
"Uncle Ben! Aunt May!" Peter shouted before even stopping, panic lacing his voice.
Even with his enhanced abilities, the sprint had drained him. He bent over, hands on his hips, throat tight, nearly gasping words he could hardly form.
Fear and worry painted his face, and seeing this, Uncle Ben, who had intended to scold him, softened immediately.
"Bant brought her home," Ben said. "He lied for you, said it was your idea to send him."
Peter exhaled sharply, relief flooding through him. The weight in his chest lifted, but surprise and guilt remained. Bant had reminded him at noon, yet he had forgotten, and it was Bant who had kept the promise.
"I… I'm so sorry…" Peter muttered, unable to meet Uncle Ben's eyes.
Ben's gaze, however, saw through the guilt and worry that lingered in Peter. He understood, and his anger dissipated.
"Everyone makes mistakes, Peter," he said gently, choosing his words carefully so as not to deepen the boy's anguish. "You remind me so much of your father. I think that's wonderful truly wonderful."
Ben spoke from the heart. Although Peter's father and he were brothers, the two men were very different. Ben had always hoped Peter could grow into someone extraordinary, a brilliant mind like his father.
"But your father always believed this: with great power comes great responsibility." Ben walked over and wrapped an arm around Peter, offering warmth and comfort.
"You've grown up, and even though May and I aren't your real parents…"
"What? No!" Peter's heart skipped. He looked up, ready to protest, but Ben gestured for him to listen.
"It's nothing, Peter. It's the truth," Ben said seriously.
"May and I don't oppose you or Bant exploring the mystery of your own parents. That's your right. We have no authority to stop you. But remember, even though we aren't your parents, we love you both just as much."
Ben's voice softened. "I don't ask you to bear the weight of this family entirely on your shoulders, but I hope you won't let May worry, okay? Do you understand what could have happened if Bant hadn't gone for her today?"
"I…" Peter opened his mouth, words failing him.
The thought of the worst-case scenario had haunted him all the way home. He could have lost Aunt May, and the guilt gnawed at him.
Ben squeezed his shoulder firmly. "You're not the only one worried. May would have been far more anxious if you hadn't been there."
Peter could only nod, powerless against the torrent of emotions inside him. The joy from his newly gained abilities had been overshadowed by remorse.
"Luckily, everyone's safe now," Ben reassured him. "That's what matters. Just remember don't let this happen again. With great power comes great responsibility."
Peter nodded, eyes red.
The door opened at that moment.
Bant appeared, holding a pork cutlet in one hand, taking a huge bite as oil dripped down. Leaning casually against the doorframe, he asked, "How long are you two going to stand out there?"
Peter and Ben looked at him simultaneously.
Ben squinted, patting Peter on the back. "You must be starving, kid. Let's go inside and eat!"
Then, in a low voice, he added, "Bant already lied for you today. Just follow his lead, alright? Don't worry May."
"Got it!" Peter nodded vigorously.
Night settled over the city.
Peter and Bant devoured a hearty meal together in Bant's room, sitting side by side.
"Ugh…" Peter burped. "I never thought I could eat this much."
"Clearly, our powers make us burn through calories faster," Bant said, lying on his bed. "At this rate, Uncle Ben's going to run out of groceries soon."
Bant had expected an argument tonight, but Uncle Ben had resolved everything peacefully.
Yet another concern loomed money.
Without Bant and Peter, May and Ben could have lived comfortably, but two more growing kids meant rising expenses. And with their super-powered appetites, tonight they had nearly emptied the fridge.
"We need to figure out a way to earn some money," Bant said seriously.
Peter nodded. "With great power comes great responsibility. Now that we have abilities, it's our duty to contribute to this family." He paused thoughtfully. "What if we try underground fighting? I'm sure no one could beat us we'd make a fortune!"
"No! Absolutely not!" Bant shuddered. Stopping a single web-crisis had been exhausting; who knew what chaos fighting underground matches would cause?
Peter considered something else. "Maybe we should use our powers for something more… constructive."
Sliding a chair to Bant's bedside, he spoke earnestly. "Like Uncle Ben said, these powers aren't just a gift they're a responsibility.
"We have an obligation to use them to make the world better."