PROLOGUE

Arthur Belmont exited the doctor's office, looking more sullen than when he'd entered.

Walking down the hallway, he was lost, reliving the conversation he just had with Dr. Smith. It was another consultation, but it was the last.

“I think this is it, Dr. Smith. This is as far as I go,“ Arthur spoke amidst tears. Tears that never stopped falling from the moment he regained his sight.

“What are you saying, Arthur?“ Dr. Smith's anxiety was vivid in his voice. He'd been a witness of Arthur's agony from the start. Been his guide through this dark phase of his life.

“I'm leaving Spain. Been a year since  Stacie disappeared. Each day I spend here reminds me more of her. I think I'm gonna go nuts if I stick around any longer.“

Dr. Smith nodded. Of course, he understood. “Where will you go?“

“California. My Uncle demands my presence. The company needs me. I can't put off my return any longer. “

“Will you be alright?“

Down the tears rolled again. Arthur was in a fit of sobs, rubbing at his aching heart.

“Honestly? I doubt I'm ever gonna be alright. Stacie was my lifeline. She was the only reason I had to live. To be happy. I'm never gonna be alright without her.“

“But Arthur, Stacie is gone... “

“I know. More than anyone, I know Stacie abandoned me. That's the heart-wrecking thought that puts me to sleep every night. And wakes me every morning.“

“Arthur, this isn't the Apocalypse. You've got your sight back. All you gotta do is find a new reason to live.“

“There are no more reasons!“ Arthur snapped, raking his fingers through his black, wavy hair. 

“What about your Uncle? Your company?“

“The company didn't get me through my misery and my Uncle certainly did not. Stacie did. She healed me. Made me feel safe. She was the reason I wanted my sight back. And I never even got to see her.“

“But Arthur...“

“She helped me heal, and left me more broken than I ever was. With no closure or goodbyes, she vanished.“

“I know all that, Son.“ Dr. Smith parted his shoulder soothingly. Certainly, he'd created some strong bonds with Arthur over the years. "But you gotta learn to move on, for real.“

“Moving on is impossible. She's all I think about. I can't get her out of my head...“

“Someday, you'll fall in love again. And that someone will heal all the wounds. Someday, Son. “

“What if I don't? “ Arthur asked the one question that troubled him. “Time –they say– heal all wounds, but what if it doesn't heal mine? What if I gave all my love to Stacie, and none is remaining for another?“

“Arthur?“

“What if I never get the closure I seek, and I spend all my life crying over a love that broke me?“

“Arthur. Son, that's enough.“

“What if I never get over Stacie? What if her voice never stops haunting my dreams and thoughts?“

“Arthur, you gotta stop with the 'what-ifs' and take a decision. Decide to move on. It all depends on willpower.“

“I'm vulnerable when it comes to Stacie. I can't fight off the memories of her. That much I'm sure of.“ It was pathetic but true.

Arthur had a last handshake with Dr. Smith. “Thank you for everything, Doctor.“

“Please be well. Promise me you won't do anything stupid.“

“I'm not suicidal. “ Arthur gave a sad smile, but it was enough assurance for Dr. Smith. “I'm just gonna live the rest of my life, wallowing in the ocean of my thousand questions. Questions Stacie alone can answer. If my questions remain unanswered, then I'll never be alright. Not in this lifetime.“

“Someday, you'll find your inner peace. I'll keep praying that day comes sooner, Son.“

Arthur's last words, however, crushed whatever optimism Dr. Smith tried to employ.

“The wounds Stacie inflicted on me runs deeper into my soul. It's chaotic down there. There's no room for peace. It is the Apocalypse for me.“

Walking down the hallway, Arthur knew he was saying goodbye to a chapter of his life.

He'd been in Spain since he lost his sight in an accident at the age of 10. It was a catastrophe that threatened to end his life

But then, Stacie came around. Though he was blind, she never gave him any reason to feel hopeless. 

She was the only light in his darkness. She was his guardian angel. She was his Saviour.

Arthur fell hard and deep for her. He was gonna undergo the surgery, just for a chance to see her face. To spend the rest of his life loving her.

On the scheduled day for his surgery, she'd escorted him to the hospital. She seemed okay, her voice and mood did not seem like something was amiss.

Stacie promised to wait right there for him. She kissed him good luck before he got carried away by the ophthalmologist.

After the painful process, he'd fluttered his eyes open for the first time in ever.

Arthur's first request was to see Stacie. But she was gone. Just like that, without any trace.

Right there, Arthur plunged deeper into the sea of misery. Stacie left him, taking all the light with her. All that was left in him was darkness and loneliness.

Outside, Arthur was greeted by a long trail of guards. A limousine graced the middle of the street. The door was held open by a bodyguard.

“Everything is ready, Sir.“ The guard informed him with a bow.

One last look around, and Arthur could feel the coldness of his tears. Some things will always remain evergreen in his memory.

Spain. Dr. Smith. Stacie.

“Let's go,“ He gave a curt nod to the bodyguards and got into the car.