"It's been a decade since I hung up my Punisher mantle. I'm no longer Frank Castle, the vigilante who brought terror to the streets of New York City. I'm just Barry Allen, a man haunted by the ghosts of my past.

I lost my wife, Iris, and our children, Frank Jr. and Lisa, in a tragedy that still haunts me to this day. The pain and guilt I carry with me is a heavy burden, one that I've struggled to shake off for years.

But as the Punisher, I thought that killing and exacting revenge would bring me some semblance of peace. It didn't. It only made me more consumed by the darkness within me. And in the end, it was that darkness that nearly destroyed everything I held dear.

In the end, I realized that the only way to find true peace was to let go of the past and start anew. I hung up my guns and my mask, and I've spent the last few years trying to rebuild my life. It's not been easy, but it's been worth it.

I'm still haunted by the memories of my loved ones, but I'm learning to live with them. I'm learning to find peace in the present, rather than dwelling on the past. And maybe, just maybe, one day I'll be able to forgive myself and move on from the pain and trauma that has defined me for so long. But this is how my story as the Punisher began."

In 2007

In Central City

When Barry finished High School, Joe asked, "Where are you gonna go to, Barr?"

Barry sighed and said, "I'm gonna go to New York City. Apparently, Iris wants to come with me now that I chose that place."

Joe says "Yeah, I bet. Well, stay safe over there. Love you, kid." as he brings Barry in for a hug.

Barry hugs Joe back, and they chuckle hugging.

Joe said, "Take care of yourselves over there, kid."

Barry says "We will."

Iris came down with their bags packed.

Iris said, "I just finished packing everything."

Barry says "Okay. I guess we're leaving. Bye, Joe."

Iris smiled and said, "Bye, Daddy."

Joe helped carry their bags to their car, as they packed the trunk.

Barry finished putting his bag in after Iris and closed the trunk.

Barry said, "Looks like we're off. Bye."

Joe waved bye as he said, "Bye, kids. Love you."

Iris says "We love you." as they get in the car and leave.

Barry started to drive off and they looked back to see Joe waving bye to them.

Barry smiled and said, "Don't worry, we'll come and visit. I promise."

Iris smiles and says "Okay." She lays her head against Barry's shoulder.

Barry said, "I also decided I'm gonna change my name."

Iris asks "Really? What are you changing it to?"

Barry said, "I was thinking Frank David Castle."

Iris smiles and says "I like it. It's a strong name. And I believe you can pull it off."

Barry said, "Thanks."

As they were driving to New York City, they started a life there.

They got married at age 20, had kids at age 24, and Barry joined the Marines.

He served 4 tours two years apart from each other.

On his last tour, his kids were 7 years old.

After his last tour

Barry came home carrying his bag.

He sighed as he walked forward to the door.

As Barry stepped through the door, exhaustion weighed heavily upon him, his body and mind weary from the trials of war. But amidst the fatigue, a flicker of anticipation danced in his heart at the thought of finally being reunited with his beloved family. Pushing the door open, he called out, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and longing, "I'm home."

Iris walked over and said, "Welcome home, honey."

Barry smiled and kissed his wife.

Seeing two kids running towards him, Barry exclaimed, "Frankie! Lisa! Hey, kiddos."

Lisa hugged him, saying, "Hi, Daddy. I missed you."

"I missed you too," Barry replied, glancing at Frankie. "You too, Slugger."

The kids laughed.

"How about I get cleaned up and we can have our homecoming tradition?" Barry suggested.

"That's fine, baby," Iris agreed.

Barry smiled and went to freshen up.

Later

At Central Park

Barry spread out the checkered blanket on the lush grass of Central Park, the late afternoon sunlight casting golden hues through the canopy of trees above. His wife, Iris, and their two children, Lisa and Frank Jr., laughed and played as they unpacked sandwiches and snacks from the wicker basket.

"Isn't this perfect?" Iris said, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she glanced at Barry. "I'm so glad we decided to have a picnic today."

Barry smiled back, a warmth spreading through his chest as he looked at his family. "Yeah, it really is," he replied, his voice filled with affection.

Lisa skipped over, her face flushed with excitement. "Daddy, look what I found!" she exclaimed, holding up a colorful butterfly perched delicately on her outstretched finger.

Barry chuckled, reaching out to gently stroke the butterfly's wings. "That's beautiful, sweetheart," he said, his heart swelling with pride.

Meanwhile, Frank Jr. kicked a soccer ball with boundless energy, his laughter mingling with the sounds of nature around them.

As they settled down to eat, Iris leaned against Barry, her head resting on his shoulder. "I love moments like these," she murmured, her voice soft with contentment.

Barry wrapped an arm around her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Me too," he whispered, savoring the simple joy of being together as a family.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by the sound of approaching footsteps. Barry tensed his senses on high alert. He glanced around, searching for the source of the disturbance, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Then, without warning, chaos erupted.

A group of masked assailants burst through the trees, brandishing weapons and shouting threats. Barry's heart pounded in his chest as he instinctively moved to shield Iris and their children from harm.

"Stay down!" he yelled, his voice hoarse with urgency.

But it was too late. The attackers descended upon them with ruthless efficiency, their faces obscured by masks as they unleashed a torrent of violence. Barry fought back with all his strength, but he was outnumbered and outmatched.

Lisa and Frank Jr. huddled close to Barry, their frightened cries drowned out by the sound of gunfire. Barry's heart shattered as he felt their small bodies jerk with each bullet that found its mark.

Desperation surged through Barry as he fought tooth and nail to protect his family. But in the blink of an eye, everything changed.

A barrage of gunshots echoed through the park, followed by the sickening thuds of bodies hitting the ground. Barry's world spun as he watched in horror, helpless to intervene as each member of his family fell, their lives extinguished in an instant.

As darkness threatened to consume him, Barry felt he was shot and passed out onto the ground. But he felt strong arms lifting him from the ground. He was vaguely aware of voices, distant and urgent, as he was carried away from the carnage.

The world faded to black as Barry slipped into unconsciousness, the wails of sirens echoing in his ears.

After that moment, Barry's family was lost in the gunfight. Barry almost died himself, but that darkness that threatened to consume him overcame him, as he vowed to kill everyone who had a hand in his family's murder.