Albert pounded on the heavy wooden door several times, the echoing sounds of each knock heightening his anticipation. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he heard the footsteps approaching from the other side. Finally, the door opened, and standing before him was his childhood friend, Robert, whom he hadn't seen in two years. A genuine smile spread across Albert's face as he greeted him warmly.
Robert's face lit up with joy as well. They embraced tightly, a hug filled with the longing of lost time and the value of their friendship. Albert stepped inside. The house greeted them with stunning opulence. Every detail bore the marks of wealth and elegance. In every room, every corner, there were hints of Robert's accomplishments. Each item was meticulously chosen, each piece of furniture a symbol of grace and luxury. This house was not just a place but a reflection of a lifestyle. As Albert stepped in, his eyes shone with admiration at the splendor.
Despite the grandeur of the house, Albert quietly took a seat on a chair. Robert kindly requested a servant to bring some tea for Albert's comfort. Then, he sat down beside him and began to speak in a friendly manner.
"How are you, my friend? It's been a long time since we last saw each other," Robert said, with a sincere smile.
Albert smiled warmly, "I'm fine. Living a quieter life these days. Not much has changed for me. How about you?" he asked.
This question sent Albert into deep thought. Memories of the past came alive in his mind. Childhood memories, adventures, and the times they spent together suddenly flashed before his eyes. Albert was filled with an inner peace and melancholy. Each memory, as it came alive as part of the past, made Albert appreciate the value of friendship once again. But not just the good memories, some unpleasant ones also surfaced in his mind.
Robert replied with a light laugh, "I'm just adding to my wealth. Saying it like that makes me sound boastful, doesn't it?"
Albert appreciated Robert's sense of humor and, after laughing a bit, replied, "No, no. It's not boasting. I asked how you were, and you answered."
As Robert thanked Albert for his genuine approach, he said, "Thinking about the past, you're really in a much better place now. That makes me happy."
Albert couldn't help but delve into thoughts of the past. "I don't even want to think about my past. Those were terrible times," he added, though some memories involuntarily started to surface. The sorrowful memories of the past had left deep marks in his inner world. At that moment, he was trying to strike a balance between making peace with the past and focusing on the future.
Robert approached Albert with a voice full of concern, "Albert, stop drinking that. You're going to destroy yourself." But Albert, resolutely, continued to drink, staring into the glass with eyes filled with inner turmoil and hopelessness.
"Leave me alone!" Albert shouted, but it was not an angry outburst; rather, it was an expression of inner despair. Seeing Albert's sorrowful and pitiful state, Robert felt torn between worry and determination.
Robert forcibly took the alcohol-filled glass from Albert's hand. "Anyone else would have left you by now with all the things you've said. But I'm your friend," he said, his voice reflecting his worry and loyalty.
Albert's inner conflict and pain clenched Robert's heart. Albert's words were filled with deep pain and loneliness.
"You're my friend, yes. So you should understand that I need to be alone," Albert said, his voice tinged with helplessness.
Robert, trying to understand Albert's situation, approached him with compassion. "Albert, seriously, enough is enough. Life goes on. You need to stop mourning," he said, offering a realistic perspective.
But Albert replied with a pained objection, "My wife Valeria and my one-month-old daughter Aisha died. How can I not mourn!?"
As Robert tried to understand Albert's pain, he expressed his concern, "But it's been two months now. I get that you're sad. But like I said, life goes on. Believe me, your wife wouldn't want you to be like this, destroying yourself. You need to mourn appropriately. You're even neglecting your work. At this rate, you won't even have money to buy the alcohol you're drowning in."
Albert, unable to cope with his internal turmoil, fell silent. He bowed his head in shame and couldn't find the strength to speak.
Robert, understanding his friend's condition, approached him gently, "Please, go sleep. You're not thinking straight because you're drunk. Let's talk in the morning when you have a clearer head," he said, his voice reflecting his worry and patience.
Albert tried to stand up, but his drunkenness hindered his attempt. As he struggled to his feet, he almost fell. At that moment, Robert quickly moved to his side, grabbing his arm to prevent him from falling. Supporting him, he began to walk Albert upstairs to the bedroom.
Robert led Albert to the bedroom, holding his arm. Albert, under the influence of alcohol, couldn't speak and was left to face his feelings of shame in silence. Robert laid Albert down on the bed, gave him one last look, and quietly left the room. This moment was a testament to how deep and selfless friendship can be.
"After that day, you did improve a bit. You focused on your work and career, but you didn't talk to anyone," Robert said, acknowledging Albert's change.
Albert, facing inner conflict, replied, "I've always been a withdrawn person. I've always had few friends," expressing his inner thoughts.
Robert continued with understanding, "I know, but still, you used to be more social."
Albert tried to confront the truth, "You're right. I was. But now I don't feel like making friends. Sometimes I feel strange," expressing his inner conflicts and feelings of loneliness.
This conversation revealed more about Albert's inner world and the emotional changes he had experienced. The marks of the past were shaping his current situation and his approach to social relationships.
Albert hesitated at Robert's question, not wanting to face the painful memories of the past, but he couldn't avoid talking about it.
"I've been away from Rivelia for two years, so I didn't know, but they told me yesterday. Prince Stephen has been found, is that true?" Albert asked with curiosity and surprise.
"Yes, but you're quite late. He was found months ago," Robert replied in a genuine and slightly teasing tone. Albert also smiled at this playful approach.
"It's definitely because of him, isn't it?"
"Because of Stephen? No, I don't think so," Albert replied, trying to lighten his emotional burden.
"When you look at him, maybe you always think of your daughter..." Robert said in an emotional tone.
"If she had lived, she would be his age now..." Albert sighed, thinking of the painful memories of the past.
"You never really told me the exact reason your wife died, Albert. Since we're on the topic, I thought I'd ask," Robert continued with curiosity and understanding.
Albert paused for a moment when he heard Robert's question. He didn't want to face the truth about his wife's death, but he couldn't avoid sharing it with his friend.
"Everything happened because of Layla..." Albert said with a deep sigh.
"What do you mean?" Robert asked, trying to understand Albert's explanation.
"Stephen..." Albert paused for a moment. Then, taking a deep breath, he continued, "They tried to kill him. Layla thought the castle was more dangerous, so she entrusted the child to me. Those who tried to kill him took my wife and daughter from me as revenge. Then Layla also died. I think she was murdered too."
Robert was shocked to hear this. "Does the king know about this?" he asked, worried.
Albert replied decisively, "He doesn't know everything. If he did, my head would be gone already."
"Why?" Robert asked, unable to believe Albert had committed such a serious crime. However, he was filled with surprise and concern at what Albert had revealed. Albert's words instantly changed the atmosphere in the room. Robert looked at Albert in shock and worry, stunned by what he heard.
Albert's words made the atmosphere in the room heavy. Robert, in shock and concern, looked at Albert, not knowing what to say. But he gathered himself to try to comfort and console Albert.
"It's all in the past now. Stephen has been found," Robert said in a calm tone, trying to ease Albert's guilt.
"I'm still ashamed of what I did. I even managed to get close to the king. I did whatever he wanted, trying to console myself and alleviate my guilt," Albert continued, expressing his remorse and pain.
Robert understood Albert's internal struggle and the pain he was going through. After a moment of silence, realizing Albert was upset, he quickly decided to change the subject. The two of them started talking about different things, aiming to lighten Albert's burden and focus on a new topic.