you've only known that marek's actually been alive for a month. before that, you assumed he was dead. the council never updated the city of his condition, and it became a common thought that maybe it was because they didn't want to give the grim conclusion. those who considered themselves close to him had a small service. not really a funeral, nobody really said he was dead as a definite-- but, it was implied.
you always thought you'd be nothing more than happy to find out that he was alive, but, once you realize that means he left indefinitely- the fleeting happiness fades with it. you've never been very good at feeling like you've been left behind. it's one of the reasons you had to leave city x yourself.
it wasn't long after your departure did you look into marek. and, find out that address wasn't six feet under in a coffin.
it took that entire month for you to convince yourself to show up. you've got gorzki and his cage in your hands as you shut the door with your foot. your careful as you walk toward the door, but, don't hesitate to slam your elbow into the doorbell before waiting outside. you squint through your sunglasses, the tip of your converses scraping against the ground as you wait.