Above the deck, a recognizable assembly of affluent and influential individuals from diverse backgrounds was stationed. Regrettably, a disheartening pattern emerged amidst this elite gathering—an underlying ideology that sought to trample upon the weak and impoverished, leaving them to helplessly suffer and subsist for another day.
Beneath the deck, however, a contrasting narrative unfolded, populated by individuals representing various walks of life and cultural values. Inequality found no place in this realm.
"Down here, we are all equal—no one is lesser or greater, and tears are replaced by pure merriment," proclaimed Gabriel, as Nicollette approached Deck C, She stumbled upon Caleb intrigued in contemplating a painting by Van Gogh, "The Starry Night."
"Oh, hello Caleb! What has caught your attention?" Nicollette exclaimed with curiosity. "Ah, that's 'The Starry Night,' isn't it?"
Caleb replied, "Hello, Nicollette. Indeed, it is. Isn't it breathtaking? I've always been captivated by Van Gogh's masterpieces."
"Undoubtedly, it is remarkable," interjected Gabriel. "Did you know that 'The Starry Night' was created within an asylum, where its creator was confined due to his so-called mental illness? This painting represents the view he witnessed through his window… It's delightful to see you again, my old friend. I share your love for paintings..."
"Gabriel? Wait, who are you? I don't seem to recall anyone named Gabriel," responded Caleb, puzzled by the encounter.
"I was the young boy from the Orphanage," Gabriel revealed, recounting his past. "We were merely five years old, assisting Director Mikaela alongside the other kids. Those were the days I remember..." Gabriel's voice quivered as he recollected his memories. He approached Caleb and embraced him tightly, whispering, "You did so much for me back then... How I wish you could remember those days... You saved me..." Overwhelmed by emotions, Gabriel continued to sob, revisiting his past.
"I'm sorry, Gabriel, but I can't seem to recall those days," Caleb confessed, though a tingling sensation started to stir within him, urging him to dive his memories into his forgotten past. "I'll make every effort to remember, Gabriel. Your genuine face speaks volumes; you were undoubtedly Director Mikaela's son."
Nicollette stood silently, pondering the events that had unfolded. "Perhaps I was not present at the Orphanage during those moments... Nevertheless, I trust that Director Mikaela has her reasons for bringing us all together."
After catching up for a while, Gabriel invited Nicollette and Caleb to a lively party below deck. Eager to lighten their spirits, the two agreed to join the festivity. Although the invitation extended to all classes, only the third-class members were present. Thus, when Caleb, Gabriel, and Nicollette arrived, the partygoers were astonished to see first-class passengers gracing their gathering.
Excitedly, everyone welcomed them and offered drinks, immersing themselves in the atmosphere of joy and contentment. Not a trace of sorrow could be found. As they danced and enjoyed themselves at the party, Caleb suddenly stumbled with another familiar face.
"Prince Quentin?! Is that really you?" Caleb exclaimed with delight. "Who would have thought we'd meet here, at a party below deck? How have you been, your highness?"
"Caleb! It's a pleasure to see you again," Prince Quentin replied. "Life has been wonderful down here. In fact, I'm hosting this party to celebrate Lady May's birthday celebration."
"I'm thrilled to hear that. Happy birthday to Lady May," Caleb added cheerfully. "By the way, where is the beautiful princess?"
"The princess is resting in our quarters, taking a nap," Prince Quentin informed. "And what about Tristan and Nicollette? Are they here too?"
"Yes, they are somewhere around. Nicollete is with an old friend of ours named Gabriel, who is also from the first-class sector," Caleb explained, continuing the conversation.
The two friends continued to catch up, gradually bridging the gap created by time. Soon after, Nicollette and Gabriel joined them, further strengthening their bonds. After a round of introductions, they indulged in the festivities with unbounded delight.
Happiness cannot be acquired through wealth, and true love can never be purchased with money.
As the night progressed and merriment engulfed the atmosphere, Caleb excused himself to find the restroom. However, the directions he received were rather vague, and he soon realized the vastness and grandness of the ship as he found himself lost among its decks and corridors.
Caleb eventually found his way back toward the stern of the ship, where he was astounded by the sight that awaited him—a figure sitting by the railings, gazing out at the darkness of the ocean, which smog's of red emerged.
"Tristan? Are you doing it again?" Caleb exclaimed, his voice filled with disturbance. "Tell me, why am I the only one who can witness this?"
Startled by Caleb's sudden outburst, Tristan hastily concealed his scars and suppressed the smog emanating from his wounds, gasping as he absorbed the pain he had been releasing. Overwhelmed, Tristan collapsed to the floor, coughing up blood.
"Caleb... It's not what you think," Tristan pleaded, his voice trembling. "I don't understand what's happening to me... Please, let me explain..."
"Are you even human? Are you even my friend?!" Caleb yelled in fury. "No more lies. You have five minutes to reveal everything... What happened on the roof of the Liverpool apartment? Those scars I saw beneath the apple tree... Tell me!"
"Caleb, please calm down..." Tristan sobbed, his voice filled with anguish. "I knew there was something different about you, how you saw through my attempts to hide these secrets."
Struggling to regain his composure, Tristan propped himself up against the railings. "Please, Caleb, sit here... I'm ready to tell you everything," he implored. Looking up in devastation toward his Brother.
Moved by the pain his brother was enduring, Caleb's anger turned into compassion. Tears welled up in his eyes as he witnessed Tristan's suffering. It was 2 a.m., and the world seemed to stand still. Amidst the darkness, the Titanic shimmered, and Caleb descended into a sea of profound tears. He took a seat beside his brother, ready to listen to the truth.
"I'm grateful that you're here... I hope you'll understand. It all began twelve years ago..."