My heart sank, the weight of his words pressing down on me."How much time...?" I hesitated, unable to form the question fully."It's hard to predict with certainty," he replied gently. "Each case is unique. We'll do our best to support Arik and manage his symptoms, but it's important to prepare for the challenges ahead."As the reality settled in, I nodded, my eyes fixed on Arik's still form. The room felt smaller, the future uncertain, and the fragility of memories became painfully apparent.The doctor's words hung heavy in the air, a suffocating truth that wrapped around my heart. I felt a lump forming in my throat, and an ache spread through my chest.The room seemed to close in, and I struggled to maintain composure as the doctor outlined the harsh reality of Arik's condition."I'm so sorry, Celeste," he said, his voice a distant echo as he explained the limited options and the inevitable fading of Arik's memories.As he abruptly left the room, I was left alone with the weight of

"Oh. So you want to go horse riding again? Is that it?" I inquired again, but still received no answer.Should I continue this? Should I keep asking even if I'm not getting any answers? Because as I persist, it feels like my strength to pretend in front of him is slowly fading. Why does this have to happen?As Arik's condition prolongs and worsens, the number of questions in my mind that seem to go unanswered grows. Until now, I haven't grasped anything.We fought so hard to reach this level. We fought together. We came from war. I almost died multiple times, and so did he. We always used to win. We always used to overcome all the problems thrown at us, but why is it so difficult when it comes to this?"Arik..." I called out as he suddenly stopped walking.We're in the middle of the farm. The barn, where the horses are kept, is still far from us. I glanced at it and saw Daddy with his favorite horse, Abbadon, alongside Mom. I smiled bitterly."Do you want to stay here? It's okay since

I wonder how Arik would react if he were lucid right now. Rusty is extremely concerned just by the idea of me talking to Esmeralda, how much more Arik?After watching, Arik suddenly went up to our room. I quickly bid farewell to Aurora and hurriedly went upstairs.I found Arik on the terrace. It's almost 8 pm. Ariah has been sound asleep since earlier; she's exhausted from her PE class. Her demeanor remains the same when her father is around—distant and seemingly afraid.I wanted to do something about it, but then I realized, like me, my daughter might need her own time.I approached Arik quietly. He didn't even look at me, which he used to do whenever he felt my presence. If there were miracles in people's lives, I'd wish for one to happen to us."Hey, are you alright?" I asked him, even though I knew he wouldn't answer me."I guess you heard me talking about your aunt. I'm sorry, Arik. I know I disrespected her, but I just can't take her words. I can't accept the hurtful things she

"Celeste!" Rusty yelled at me, but I ignored him.I gripped the hem of Arik's t-shirt and sobbed again."I-I'm sorry, Arik. I'll change. I can change that. I was just... I was just too excited and dumbfounded when Faye told me you're lucid now, and this is what I see. I'm sorry, Arik. Please, let's go home. Not like this. I don't... I don't want us to break up. It can't be..." I pleaded and burst into tears.I clutched my chest. I pounded it gently because it felt like darkness was slowly taking me away. My heart ached. Everything in me hurt. This wasn't what I expected to happen."Enough, Celeste. Go home.""N-no, please. Just tell me what I did..." I looked at him again and begged. He just took a forceful breath as if he wasn't really interested in what I was saying."D-did I do something wrong? Don't you love me anymore?"For a moment, fear washed over me after asking that question. But no, I am confident. He still loves me. He loves me so much, so why am I afraid?But his reaction

"You know what, Celeste? Why don't you try to live your life without bothering me? I'm tired. Can we just end everything like it didn't happen anymore?" He said it with casual indifference.Once again, my heart sank. I anticipated these painful words, yet I still couldn't bear them."What?" I mumbled.Suddenly, his eyes flared with intense hatred and disgust as he looked at me. I couldn't fathom where it came from. The way he stared made me question, made me doubt if he ever truly loved me. It felt like a tree rooted in loathing."You're making this hard for me, you know that? Why can't you just let me go easily? Why are you still insisting on everything? I told you, I don't want this anymore! I don't want to be with you! I don't want to see or talk to you anymore! You're making it difficult for me, Celeste!" he roared angrily.I blinked rapidly, dumbfounded, unable to speak immediately. It was the first time he raised his voice at me. He used to be so careful with his words, even whe