Days had passed since her last encounter with Gareth. But still, the pain in her heart was unbearable. She was mad at Gareth for thinking the worst of her. She was mad at him because he didn't believe her. But most of all, she was mad at herself for letting him do that to her for the second time.
They said that one is enough and two is too much. But it seemed that she didn't know when to just give up. Inakala talaga niyang may pag-asa pa pagitan nilang dalawa. But she was wrong.
Isa siyang malaking tanga. She thought that she toughened herself up already, that she had changed for the better, na makakaya na niya itong tuluyang kalimutan. But sje was still the same girl from five years ago, because with just a flick of a finger, she had completely fallen for that same wretched man who hurt her.
She curled herself in a ball. Ilang araw na na ring walang patid ang pagdaloy ng kanyang mga luha. Her heart bled in agony as her mind replayed his hurtful words towards her. And what about her locket? Iyon lamang ang natitirang ala-ala ng ina. At ngayon ay wala na rin ito.
Gareth was like a poison to her. Alam na niya iyon. But she still couldn't help herself but to taste that poison once more.
She was a colossal fool. A stupid woman in the highest degree. Hindi na siya nagtanda.
Iyon ang naabutang tagpo ng kanyang anak nang bigla itong pumasok sa kanyang silid.
"Mom, are you okay?" she said her. Masuyo nitong pinunasan ang rumaragasang luha niya gamit ang maliliit na kamay nito.
"Why are you crying?" she wonderingly said.
She sobbed. Mariin niyang tinitigan ang anak. Kylie had been her treasure for the past five years. Ito ang naging dahilan para siya ay magsikap. She was her world. She loved her daughter very much that she was willing to sacrifice everything for her.
"Mom is just sad, Kylie."
Tumango-tango ito. She then started to make funny faces in front of her.
"Why are you doing?" she cannot help herself but to ask.
"I am making you laugh mom," she said while sticking her tongue out.
In all fairness to her daughter, she really did entertain her. Her funny face gave a simple but genuine smile on her lips.
"Halika ka nga dito."
Agad niyang kinulong sa kanyang mga bisig ang anak.
"At sino naman ang nagturo niyan sa 'yo?" she said as she inhale her sweet powdery sent.
"Tristan!" she gleefully said.
Si Tristan? Wala naman siyang naaalalang may ganitong pinag-usapan ang dalawa noong huli silang magkita. At isapa, Tristan only met her once.
"How did he said that to you?"
"Tristan calls me every day, mom."
Another question mark popped in her mind.
"I am actually the one who called Tristan first. Binigay niya po ang number niya sa akin. I have Merryna dial it for me."
Again. Why?
"Why'd you call him?"
"Well… during the last time, he said that you're his best friend. And that should I ever miss you, I should just call him. He'll give me updates on you, while you are working," she genuinely said, her dimples now evident as she spoke with a very cute smile on her place.
"Why didn't you just call me? You always know that I'll find time for you."
"I don't want to disturb you mom. And besides, Tristan tells me about different stories."
"Stories like what?" she actually got curious. Mukhang naging close na ang anak kay Tristan,
"Well… he told me about a Prince and the Dragon, the adventures of the mushroom queen and many many more stories!"
Napngiti siya. Tristan was really a child at heart. He would really become a great father one day. Naapreciate kung gaano ito kasuyo sa kanyang anak. He was really amazing.
It was just a pity that he was not the man for her. Kung sana'y ito na lamang ang minahal niya't hindi si Gareth. Baka mas maganda pa ang naging ending ng love story niya.
But still, she was now holding the love of her life. Kylie was the reason of her existence. Iyon na lamang ang dapat niyang isipin at wala nang iba pa.
"Do you know that Tristan was a real prince?" she randomly said.
"Really?" her daughter said.
Tumangi-tango siya. "He is one of the King's son. He lives at the Arondight Palace in Camelot."
"Owh!!!" Kylie jeered.
"I can't believe that my new friend is a Prince!" the excitement in her voice was undeniable.
She hugged her tightly. And so as your father, baby. Your father is also a prince.
"I love you, mommy," her daughter said.
"I love you so much more, baby." she replied.
Gareth was drowning himself with booze and alcohol. This was his only escape to reality. A reality that he created. A reality where he was nothing more but a monster.
Muli niyang tinungga ang hawak na bote ng alak. He made sure that the alcohol would overwhelm his system. Umaasa siyang kahit papaano ay mapapamanhid nito ang sakit na kanyang nararamdaman.
He felt a heave in his breath. Nahihirapan na siyang huminga. Memories of his last encounter with Steff assaulted him.
He could clearly remember the way her eyes showed her pain and hurt as he attacked her with his words. She looked broken and very vulnerable. And all of that was because of him. Dahil sa kanyang maling akala. Because he thought the worst of her. Because he didn't trust her.
And what about what happened years ago sa condo nito? He threw her out of her own place, out in the soaking rain. Sinabi nito noon na buntis ito sa kanilang anak. She told him that the Duke of Sutherland was her father. But he didn't believe any of the word she said. Nagpaalipin lamang siya sa sakit na kanyang nararamdaman noon. Nagbulagbulagan siya sa katotohanan. And now karma came back to bite down his worthless ass.
Patong-patong na ang kanyang kasalanan kay Steffanie. But she still gave him a second chance, but he blew it again. Her love was so pure and selfless while he was nothing but a jerk and scumbag. Gapulgada na lamang ang tingin niya sa sarili.
He tried to close his eyes but the image of Steffanie's agonized face haunted him. He wanted to shout! He wanted to be angry at the world. But who was he kidding? Walang ibang may kasalanan kung hindi siya.
He immediately stood up to look at himself in the mirror.
What he saw was hideous creature. He gazed back at him with those blood-shot eyes. He looked like a train wreck. Magulo ang buhok niya and there were few stubbles on his face. He looked fucked up!
Tinitigan niyang maiigi ang sarili sa lamin. The face that greeted him reminded him of his violent and reckless attack to the only woman he loved. Ganito ba ang nakikita nito? Did she think he was a monster?
"Fuck!"
It hurts him to core. He felt like he was gutted alive. The pain in his heart became so overwhelming that he just wanted to stop breathing.
His visions become blurry. May kung anong barang namumuo na sa kanyang lalamunan.
"Get out of my sight!" he commanded the figure behind the mirror. But he just stared at him, non-caring of his command.
"I said, get out of here!"
He gave the mirror his strongest punch. The shattering sound of the glass deafened him. Alam niyang ganito rin ang nagyari sa puso ni Steff dahil sa kanyang pagmamalupit. He punched it again. This time, he hit the solid concrete wall. He felt his fist open but he did not care.
"I am sorry, sweetheart."
He punched it once more. It didn't matter if the bones in his hand were completely shattered. Ang mahalagay maibsan na ang sakit na kanyang nadarama.
Mas masahol pa siya sa kanyang Ina at kapatid. At least they were doing it for power. Whereas him, he did everything for revenge, to avenge his wounded pride to her treachery. But that treachery didn't apparently exist. So he hurt her multiple times for no reasons at all. He felt like he'd throw up any minute. He's sick of himself. He's sick at how rotten he had become.
"I am sorry, Steff! I am so fucking sorry!" he shouted.
But he knew that no matter how hard she shouted, she will never hear her.
Blood was now, free flowing from his fist. The pain it brought was nowhere the pain that his heart was experiencing right now.
Hirap na hirap na siya. He couldn't even properly breathe. Gusto na niyang malagutan na ng hininga. He wanted the pain to stop. But it didn't subside. Not even a little.
Gabi-gabi ay hindi siya pinapatahimik ng kanyang konsensya. Guilt and misery had beckoned around him. Kung hindi dahil sa alak ay baka manatiling gising siya sa magdamag.
He wanted to lie in a bed full of blades. He wanted to hang himself. He wanted to shoot a bullet right through head. But he knew that none of those would be enough. Nothing could undo the harm that he had done to her.
So with his bleeding fist, he continued to pound on the blood splattered wall.
"Holy fucking shit!" he heard someone from behind.
"What are you doing?!" noon lang niya napagtanto na si Tristan pala ang pumasok.
But again, he didn't care. Nothing seemed to matter anymore for him. He just continued his assault to wall.
"Stop that!" wika nito, habang kinakaladkad siya palayo nito.
Nagpumiglas ka.
"Huwag mo akong pakialaman!" he spat at his brother.
"Bakit hindi kita papakialaman? Look at you! You reek of alcohol, you look like shit!"
But he just at his brother. His body was numb all over.
"Punch me, brother. Punch me!" he nonchalantly said.
"Stop it, Gareth! Get a hold of yourself." Niugyog nito ang kanyang balikat.
"I am worthless, so just fucking punch me!"
And he didn't have to say it twice. Lumipad patungo sa mukha niya ang kamao nito. Next thing he knew, he was seeing stars.
Inihiga siya nito sa kanyang kama.
He felt drained and weak. Wala na siyang lakas para tumayo pa. He just looked idly at Tristan. Kahit papaano'y unti-unti nang nanumnumbalik ang kanyang katinuan.
"Nice punch, brother." He said.
"Just what's wrong with you!" sigaw nito.
He stared blankly at the ceiling. He closed his eyes, and again, the image of a tearful Steffanie invaded his mind.
"I'm sorry Steff, I am sorry."
His body was numb all throughout.
"Fuck! So that's how you wanted? Instead of begging for forgiveness, naririto ka't nagpapaawa. Ptiful." Tristan said those words in full precision. Tama ito. He was nothing but a douchebag.
Umiling-iling ito bago kumuha ng basang bimpo. Pinunasan nito ang dumugong mga kamay. A thought suddenly came in to his mind.
"Tristan, tell me. How's my daughter."
Isang buntong hininga ang isinagot nito.
"Was she like Steff? Or was she like me?"
Padabog nitong tinapon ang bimpong puno na nga ng dugo.
"You know what, Gareth? You have the gal to hurt the woman you love, but you don't have the balls to completely as for her forgiveness."
"It's a pity, Gareth. You daughter is beautiful. She's like a sweet little angel. And you know what? She's yearning to see her dad. So if you're not gonna be brave enough, then I just hope that Kylie will find a better father!ito na lamang ang sinabi nito bago tuluyang lumabas ng silid.
He felt tired and weary, but Tristan's voice still bechoed inside his head.
She's yearning to see her dad!
He wanted to weep for the years that were lost because of his stupidity. But Tristan was right. Walang mangyayari kung magpapakalango lamang siya sa alak. He suddenly knew what to do. He'll get his family back, no matter what.
Tatanggapin niya ang lahat ng galit nito. He would take a bullet for her if she wanted. He could give up all of his wealth for them. Gagawin niya ang lahat mapatawad lamang siya nito.
Steffanie was sipping her morning coffee in their home in Frontera. Kadarating lamang nilang mag-ina rito kagabi.
It was a roller coaster ride for her this week. Apparently, her father finally decided to make her identity public. Nagkaroon ng malaking pagdiriwang sa Sutherland to welcome her. She suddenly became a blue blood overnight.
She really appreciated what her father did. Matagal na niya itong pinakaasam-asam. She wanted to be acknowledged by her dad. She wanted to be something that he could be proud off. And now, he finally did it. He announced the circumstances of her birth. And also, she was given her birthright. She now belonged in the circle of nobility. She was granted to carry her peerage. Meaning to say, as of the moment, she is Duchess Steffanie Smithson, Duchess of Sutherland.
Masaya siya sa naganap. But somehow, she felt empty and hollow. There was still something missing in her life.
She knew what it was. Or rather, who it was. But then again, she also knew that it was impossible for her to attain it.
Isang butil na luha na naman ang kusang tumulo mula sa kanyang mga mata. It seemed that her tears were endless. Ang sakit-sakit para sa kanya ang maisip ang ginawa ni Gareth sa kanya.
Inaliw na lamang niya ang sarili. Ayaw na naman niyang matapos ang kanyang araw sa kaiiyak. She opened her television to watch the morning news. Ilang araw na rin siyang naka-focus sa mga news program. Inaabangan niya kung nakarating na sa media ang nangyaring pagwawala niya sa Asphodel. But she guessed the PR officer of Gareth was good, isang linggo na kasi halos ang nakakaraan pero wala pang nababalita tungkol doon. Not in the TV, and more thankfully, not in the world wide web.
Ang tanging isyu lamang sa kaniya ngayon ay ang pagkakahantad sa tunay niyang pagkatao. The media had feasted on it. Palaging puno ng paparazzi sa Sutherland just to dig geeper. Mabuti na lamang ay naipuslit sila ng kanyang kuya Michael Angelo. Isa pa'y nag-file na siya ng indefinite leave sa kanyang trabaho. She just didn't feel like working. Not with all of this chaos. And not with all the worries in her heart. But she still needed to finish one fashion show, though. Naischedule na kasi iyon even before pa. But after that, she had four months all for herself and her family.
She was cooking breakfast when Merryna came down.
"Naku, ma'am. Ako na lang po diyan." Sabi nito nang makitang siya na ang nagluluto.
"I'm good, don't worry. Linisin mo na lang ang playroom ni Kylie," she said as she whisked the scrambled egg in the pan.
"Nakakhiya naman po, dapat ay ako ang gumagawa niyan."
"Naku, Merryna. Maaga lamang akong nagising. So I decided to whip ourselves some breakfast."
Tumango-tango lamang ito habang nagwawalis-walis ng paligid.
Maya-maya pa'y nakarinig sila ng isang doorbell. Her guard immediately phoned her in.
"Ma'am, may naghahanap pos a inyo. Importante daw po," sabi nito nang sagutin niya ang telepono sa sala.
"Mukha bang paparazzi?" tanong niya.
"Naku, ma'am, hindi po. Kakilala niyo raw po."
Napaisip siya dito. Only few people knew that she was back at home. "Sino raw?"
"Ang kamahalan po, si Prinsipe Tristan," buong galang nitong sinabi.
Si Tristan? She indeed mentioned it to him nang huli silang magkausap sa phone. But why didn't he phone her first? Nagkibit balikat na lamang siya. Tristan was always the unpredictable type.
"Sige po manong, tell him na susunduin ko siya diyan."
Kailangan na rin kasi niyang itapon ang basura.
Agaran niyang iniligpit ang mga pinaglutuan. She went out of the backdoor saka nagdire-diretso sa kanilang bakuran.
She had a very large yard paroled with healthy Bermuda grass. She silently assessed the surroundings first, magtatapos na ang autumn, kailangan na rin nilang maghanda for the cold seasons.
The gate of their house was tall and solid. This was to prevent the paparazzi from invading her privacy while she was at home.
Agad naman siyang lumabas expecting to see Tristan behind the tall gate. But she was dead wrong. It was Gareth who was proudly standing there, handsomely leaning on his white sports car. He was so handsome in his coat and jeans. Nainis siya sa takbo ng kaniyang isipan.
"Steff," he weakly said.
Iyon ang nagpagising sa kanya sa katotohanan. Gone was the admiration she initially felt, her heart burned again with searing pain.
"Anong ginagawa mo dito?" he silently said. It may came out as a whisper but she knew it's enough to send him a message.
"Can we talk?" he was about to take a step towards her when she retaliated.
"Get away from me. Now."
He was frozen in his steps.
"Please, Gareth. I do not want to see you anymore. Please, leave."
Muli na namang nagbabantang sumungaw ang mga luhang pilit niyang pinipigil.
"I will not leave here until you talked me, sweetheart. Please, give me a chance."
He tried to move closer to her, but she stepped back. She cannot even endure him being next to her.
"Leave me alone, Gareth. Maawa ka naman sa akin oh."
At bago pa siya ipagkanulo na naman ng kaniyang puso, nagsimula na siyang talikuran ito. She immediately an towards the house. Hindi pa rin pala niya itong kayang kaharapin. Her heart still ached for what he did to her.
"Leave me alone, Gareth. Maawa ka naman sa akin oh."
Those were the last words that Gareth heard before Steff closed the gate on him.
Fuck! He blew it again! Darn it.
He was frozen in his tracks when he saw her pained face. And he wanted to kick himself in the guts, because he knew that he was the reason behind that pain. He's an ass to the maximum degree.
But still, this ass wanted to gain her forgiveness. No matter what.
"I will not move an inch until you come and talk to me sweetheart!" he shouted, hoping that his thoughts would reach her.
Muli siyang sumandal sa kanyang sasakyan. Natameme na lamang siya kanina nang muli itong makita. Her beauty exemplified all that was beautiful. She was utterly perfect, until she him.
Napuno ng pag-aalala ang magandang mukha nito. She was afraid of him, like he was some kind of a monster. But who could blame her? He even admitted to himself that he was a vicious monster.
Kumikirot pa rin ang kanyang kamao sa sariwang sugat naroroon. But the pain in his heart was greater. He loved her and he will do anything just for another chance.
It had been the third day since Steffanie saw Gareth in her front gate. At pangatlong araw na rin itong naroon. He never left. He was just there. The guard never failed to report to her what was happening.
Ano ba ang gusto nitong mangyari?
Hindi pa ba sapat ang nangyari sa kanila noon? Did he want to inflict more damage to her?
She sighed in worry.
As much as possible, she didn't want to associate herself with him anymore. Not now, not today, not ever. Magcoconcentrate na lamang siya kay Kylie.
It was the fifth day already and Gareth was still outside her gates waiting for her. He was so freaking serious about this.
Walang-wala itong ginagawa niya sa tiniis na sakit ni Steffanie doon.
If she wanted to make him wait even for a lifetime, then so be it. He was prepared to do so.
For five days, he slept in his car for just three hours. Nagbabaka-sakali siyang haharapin siya nito kahit sa kalaliman ng gabi.
He managed to somehow survive by the food and drinks that Clarence brought to him.
He was now more determined more than ever.
He heard a screeching sound. For the first time in five days, the gate opened. A car slowly emerged from it.
Instinct overruled him. Alam niyang nasa loob nito ang dalaga.
"Steff! Sweetheart, please talk to me!" pagsusumamo niya.
He was now knocking at the window like some kind of a street beggar. But he didn't care. He didn't give a damn. Ang mahalaga ay ang magkausap silang dalawa.
But the car just kept moving forward.
He immediately got inside his sports car. He will follow her no matter what. But when he tried to step on the gas, everything didn't respond. It was just ceasing to start.
He looked at the dashboard. Then, he saw the reason why his fucking car won't fucking move! The fuel tank was fucking empty!
Napasuntok tuloy siya sa busina ng sasakyan.
His mind was operating overdrive. Agad siyang lumabas at tumakbo ng napakatulin.
"Steff! Steff! Steff!" he shouted as he traversed the distance between them.
"Steff!" nagsimula nang tumakbo ng matulin ang sasakyan nito. But he still made effort to quickly run after it.
"Steff..." sinabi niya habang nahahapo na siya sa pagtakbo.
"Steff!" sooner, he fell down on the street. Hingal na hingal na siya sa pagtakbo. His lack of sleep had taken toll in his physical stamina.
"Steffanie, sweetheart! Please forgive me," he said as his eyes follow the speeding car away from him. His throat constricted with bile.
Fuck! Naninikip na ang kanyang dibdib sa sakit na nadarama.
I love you, Steff. Please, sweetheart. Forgive me.
"Miss Smithson! Miss! How does it feel to become a countess?" one of the reporters hounded her at the red carpet.
"I honestly don't know yet how to become a noble. It's something new to me," she answered honestly to the question.
"Now that the dating rumors between you and Michael Angelo was gone, because obviously he's your brother, what about the thing going on between you and Prince Tristan?"
Again, she gave the reporter her sweetest smile. She actually expected that kind of question.
"Prince Tristan and I are actually a very close friend," she said.
"Really? What about you and Prince Gareth? What's the real score between you two? We actually heard from Asphodel that-"
Hindi na nito natapos ang sasabihin. She walked out on the reporter. She was still sore about Gareth and she didn't want the press to have a field day when she start to shed tears because of that man.
And besides, naririto siya para magtrabaho at hindi para sagutin ang mga taong ng mga ito.
This will be her last fashion show for a while.
Steffanie breathe in and out. This was not her first fashion show but she still felt unsettled.
Two days...
That was how long since she last saw Gareth. She immediately chastised herself. She shouldn't know that. He shouldn't matter anymore. But still, pasaway pa rin ang puso niya. Her mind cannot stop thinking about him.
Naalala niya nang huli niya itong makita. He chased her speeding car. He was shouting her name non-stop. But she steeled her resolve.
No matter how hard it was. She must resist him. Ayaw na niyang masaktan pa. Napakasakit na ng nararamdaman niya. Her heart was torn to pieces. There was nothing left of her.
She calmed herself. This was already the finale. She shouldn't ruin this show.
Agad niyang pinunas ang mga luhang nagbabantang bumagsak.
She couldn't make a mess out of her make-up.
Then finally she heard her name called in the runway. It was time for her to do her thing.
Gareth was trembling in his seat. This was his only chance and he shouldn't blow this off.
Naramdaman na niya ang mabilis na pagtibok ng kanyang puso. This is it.
He spent a fortune just to prepare for this. But he didn't care. Ang mahalaga ay magkausap sila ni Steff. And mahalaga'y makahingi siya ng kapatawaran nito.
Shit! He was so fucking afraid right now. For the first time in his life, he actually feared something.
But why wouldn't he? This was the woman he loved. This was his life. Having her not in his life would mean his death.
Nagsisisi siya sa mga ginawa niya dito. But he will fucking make sure that he make up for it.
The music for the finale finally kicked in.
"And for the finale, Countess Steffanie Smithson!"
She emerged from the way. There was a beautiful smile on her lips. She was wearing a simple white dress. But it looked elegant on her.
She was marvellous. She walked graciously like a seasoned ballerina. She radiated pure and unadulterated beauty and innocence. She was lovely.
Napalunok na siya.
This is it.
"And now, ladies and gentlemen. A special announcement from no other than His Highness, Prince Gareth Pendragon!" the announcer said.
She saw the hesitation and fear in her eyes.
This was his chance.
With trembling fingers, hinugot niya ang dalawang maliliit na pulang kahon sa kanyang bulsa.
Agad siyang umakyat sa stage. Inabutan siya ng mikropono ng isang microphone.
He was now standing face to face with her. It was her, really her. Not some pigment of his imagination.
Nakita niya ang pagguhit ng kalungkutan sa asul nitong mata. Again, for the nth time, he cursed himself.
"Steff..." he said.
Nagsimula na namang dumagundong ang puso niya sa kanyang dibdib.
"I hurt you so much, sweetheart. Alam ko kung gaano kasakit ang ginawa ko sa 'yo noon at ngayon. Pero pinagsisihan ko na ang mga ginawa ko. You are my life, sweetheart. You are my everything, Steff. Alam kong huli na bago ko tuluyang narealize ito. But, still, I'd like to say to everyone how much I love you." He made his voice strong and clear. He uttered each word as his loved for her overwhelmed his heart.
"I know how this was important to you." Agad niyang dinukot ang kwintas mula sa isang kahon. It was her necklace. The one that he threw away to spite her. Nakumpirma na nga niya na sa Duke ito at sa ina ni Steffanie. He couldn't believe how reckless he was. Lalo lamang lumiit ang tingin niya sa sarili.
With his trembling fingers, he put the necklace on her beautiful neck.
Their eyes finally met. There was indifference in her eyes. She was afraid of him. She feared him. Mamasa-masa na ang mga mata nito.
"I am sorry... I am sorry..." his voice began to crack.
Nagtatalo na rin ang kanyang kalooban.
He began to kneel in front of her. He will ask forgiveness no matter what.
"Every time I see your crying face and I know that it was me who caused it, I want to repeatedly stab myself. I am sorry for hurting you. I am sorry for thinking the worst of you. You are best thing that could ever happened to me, yet I treat you like shit. Believe me sweetheart, I regret all of that. I'll prove to you that you are precious. I will make you feel special. I will love you up until my dying breath."
His eyes had gone misty as well. He couldn't see the crowd anymore. All he could see was this woman in front of him. The girl that he love and the only woman for him.
"I know that I am douchebag, a piece of scum, the biggest jerk, a fucking son of a bitch, but all I ask is for a chance sweetheart. A chance to make things right for you."
He heard her sob as she drowned in tears. But he did not stop. He wouldn't stop. His feelings for her was so overwhelming that his chest might explode.
"I know it's hard to forgive. But I'll wait, sweetheart. Ten years. Twenty years. It won't fucking matter. I'll die trying to prove myself to you, sweetheart."
Muli niyang binuksan ang isa pang hawak na kahon. It contained the ring in the serious gem. He personally searched for those items. It took him two whole days to find it. But he had to do it. Not to redeem himself but to set things right.
Muli siyang napalunok. "So now, Countess Steffanie. Will you give this fucking idiot of a prince a chance? Will you still have me in your life?"
Her eyes looked lovingly on him. He saw a thread of hope. He saw how her eyes flicker of love and affection.
Then in a split second she answered, "No."
"Pagod na akong magbigay ng chance. Pagod na akong umasa na mayroong tayo."
Then his world came crumbling down as his life began to walk away from him.