Whilst Christopher attended the business event, Emilia found herself immersed in the enchanting world of the theater. Seated in the secluded balcony designated for Mr Hayden, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of isolation, out of reach of everyone else.
Her mind wandered, contemplating the societal tendency to elevate individuals like Christopher to unattainable heights, unknowingly creating a gap between them and ordinary people that was impossible to cross.
Normally, it didn't bother her. Emilia could spend hours or even days in solitude without complaint. But tonight was different.
From the balcony, she observed the multitude of people gathered together, whispering remarks, some affectionately holding hands.
It was a stark contrast to the comfort of solitude within the confines of her own home. It was different to be alone in public, a very different kind of lonely.
A few empty chairs around her didn't make her feel special; they amplified her sense of alienation from the bustling world below.
Emilia attempted to focus on the play unfolding before her. Yet, the tale of two lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice, bravely defying the clutches of Hades himself, only served to exacerbate her anguish. Everyone seemed to have someone, a connection to share, except for Emilia.
The emotions of the past few months welled up within her, cascading down her cheek in the form of a solitary tear which quickly ceased to exist, wiped away into the tissue. Emilia masked her inner turmoil behind a calm facade. Some days, like today, she longed for the presence of someone by her side, to offer solace and companionship amidst the desolate expanse of her heart.
When the play concluded, Emilia sought out the familiar face of her trusted driver. As she settled into the backseat, an unusual silence enveloped her. The driver watched her with slight worry but hasn't said a word.
Emilia gazed out of the car window, captivated by the somber darkness of the passing landscapes. When they arrived at the manor, she sneaked inside, making no noise to alert anyone of her presence.
The manor was so eerily silent, its stillness betraying no hint that Christopher was still awake, seated in his study.
Emilia retired to her bed, where hours slipped away while she silently wept.
The vast expanse of the room seemed to mock her, amplifying the ache in her heart, which yearned for a company.
As Christopher surrendered to slumber in the early morning hours, he was still snoozing when Emilia hopped on the bike and pedalled to the city. She decided that this day would be perfect to work in the bustling ambiance of a cafe to reaffirm her that she was still a part of the society.
Emilia, dressed in a flowing dress and a cardigan, adorned with white canvas shoes. She looked youthful and energetic.
After hours of immersing herself in work, Emilia visited her mum. As expected, there were no significant changes in her mother's condition. An hour and a bit later, she bid her farewell and embarked on her journey back home, cycling through winding country roads. The weather wasn't bad but the sun was hidden behind a heavy cloud.
Rounding a corner, a sudden movement from the bushes startled Emilia, and she instinctively swerved to avoid the unidentified creature. In her haste, she steered the bike into a ditch, toppling over and painfully scraping her knees on the gravel.
Green grass stains marked the pristine fabric of her dress. Emilia cautiously surveyed her surroundings, attempting to discern the nature of the creature that had startled her.
On edge, Emilia stood up tentatively, then, she saw it again—a fleeting dark shadow.
The creature darted towards her once more. Instinctively, she took a step back, losing her balance and landing unceremoniously on her bottom. The creature bounded towards her, joyously springing up and placing its paws on her stomach, showering her face with sloppy licks. It was a dog—a wretchedly unkempt canine, with matted brown and black fur emanating a pungent odour.
Emilia stood up with difficulty as the creature was still jumping up in excitement. She scanned the vicinity, hoping to spot its owner, but there was no one in sight.
With a mix of pity and empathy, she decided to intervene, taking out her phone to search for the nearest veterinarian. Time was of the essence, as she had a mere twenty minutes to reach the village near the bus stop and have the dog checked for a microchip. Gazing at the miserable state of the creature, truly pitying its state. She couldn't help but feel a surge of compassion, driving her to take action. With a deep sigh, Emilia coaxed the dog to follow her, and within minutes, they arrived at the veterinary clinic. She cradled the heavy mass of tangled hair and dirt, carrying it inside. "Good afternoon," Emilia greeted the staff with a warm smile. "I apologize for coming so close to closing time, but I found this... dog?... near the road and I was wondering if you could assist me."
"Certainly," the receptionist responded, their empathy evident. "While we don't have any available appointments today, the vet could check for a microchip to see if it's registered in our system. It will only take a moment."
"Thank you," Emilia replied gratefully, settling down in the waiting area with the dog beside her. Its black eyes pierced her soul, tugging at her heartstrings. Soon, the vet emerged, confirming that the dog did not possess a microchip. Rather than finding solace in this revelation, Emilia felt far from relieved.
"Perhaps you'd consider taking him in?" the vet suggested, recognising Emilia's look and the new bond forming between her and the l animal. "He's most likely a stray."
"I would love to, but I'm afraid I lack the means to provide for him," Emilia confessed, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
"The city shelter might be able to take him in, but their reception is closed for the night. You could give them a call in the morning," the vet offered, handing her a leaflet.
"Thank you." Emilia glanced down at the dog, contemplating where to house him overnight. The manor was huge and the gardens even bigger. Surely, she could find a place for him in the shed where she stored her bike. It was warm enough outside for the temperature to not be an issue, and she could gather some old blankets to make him comfortable. Bernie, the housekeeper, wouldn't object or betray her secret, just as the groundskeeper. With a plan in mind, Emilia bought a collar and leash from the vet, paying a small sum, which seemed to annoy the dog who bit at it for the entirety of the walk back towards the manor.