{ cntd x }
ℑt had been such a long evening, and although he was confined to his chair in the shadows of the room, with only the dimmest of lights illuminating the lower half of his body, he was well enough to meet with her again. A request that was honored by the one caring for him. So she had been fetched by the fortune teller in the crowds that graced the lively music hall. When she had finally appeared, he could tell by her expression that she was still shaken by his appearance.
‘ Lizzy. ’
His voice was gentle yet inviting. It radiated warmth, and his tone alone suggested that he was smiling at her from afar. She stood across the room, silently gripping her hands. The only audible sound was the soft, energetic singing from the crowd and the choir's performance, which felt out of place amidst the energy that permeated the dimly lit room.
He understands. She had always been an open book to him, making it difficult for him to remain quiet. He noted the pain and sorrow etched on her face, the guilt that must be fracturing her delicate heart. He intended no harm with his words; they were merely a means to shatter the silence that enveloped them. He had limited time that evening. Patiently, he awaited her to find her voice, fully aware of her desire to speak.
The words that eventually tumbled out pierced his heart. How he longed to simply walk across the room and envelop her in his comforting embrace, yet he felt powerless. Far too powerless. He could only observe as she bit her lips, doing everything within her power to prevent the tears from spilling.
Not much longer.
Ciel attentively listens as she confides in him. One footstep echoes on the marble floor. Then another follows. He permitted her to keep speaking while gradually lifting one arm. Subtly, it became evident how delicate he was that evening. Varicose veins emerged in the soft light as he extended his hand toward her, inviting her to approach him.
‘ Please. Don’t be so hard on yourself. I can’t blame you for his impersonation of me. We do share the same face, after all. Nor do I blame him for what he’s done. In fact, I wish I could give him my appreciation for taking care of you all these years. So, please. Don’t look at yourself in such a way. It’s okay now. I’ve come home. We can be together again. Just like before. I hope you can forgive me for being away so long. ’
There would be a momentary pause as he gathers his energy to continue speaking.
‘ I know you’re hurt, but everything will change soon. I hope to bring back that cheerful light back to my fiancee’s face. ’








