Facets of Impermanence

Changed Too

Initially when she left, Karl, still lost in booze, thought less of it, deciding in his delirium she would return. Only after weeks passed did he realise the severity of his actions, snapping back to humanity. Having already lost Phoebe to his vices, he knew he could not now lose Kyra. If losing Phoebe meant losing himself, losing Kyra would be tantamount to an utter obliteration of his life itself.

In his first treatment, he worked with an intense determination and discipline but now in his second he slaved relentlessly in ways no words could describe. He knew that he had to get Kyra back and, to do that, he had to show at the very least he had changed. He did not want to be an Alex Rivers. He would dodge all trappings of fame and fortune and gladly settle down, leading a quiet life with her.

But when he had finished treatment and looked for her, Kyra could not be found. Using all ways and means, Kyra was nowhere to be found. It was almost as if she had never appeared in his life and never did give him new life. Her very existence seemed to be a sordid reverie. Until 2 months later, in mid-April, on their anniversary, Karl received a letter, written in familiar, nostalgic handwriting.

Taking it religiously, he delicately disclosed it :

"To karL:

When you've received this, I would have been overseas, embarking on a 6-month exchange programme. I hope you're doing well. Heard you've done a great job cleansing yourself of alcohol(for good, this time I hope).

I'm sorry for having left you so abruptly but I really can't take it anymore. As much as I love you and as much as it hurts to leave you when I loved you, I'm afraid of what might happen in the future. Perhaps we weren't meant to be or perhaps you and I have good chances of being able to work out well, I'll never know. But what you did to me that night reminded of some unwanted past. Just as I remind you of Phoebe, you remind me of my history. Perhaps I didn't even love you. Possibly I just loved how you bring me back to the past. I just can't handle love anymore. Maybe I can't even love anymore. I don't know what love is now...

I'm going to try further my career. If all goes well, I might stay longer than 6 months. I don't expect you to wait for me because that’s making you second choice in my life and it wouldn’t be good or fair for you.

In any case, I'm writing to you so you'll have a peace of mind. Please forgive me. I really didn't mean to hurt you. I hope you've gained from me as much as I've taken from you.

Kyra. "

Putting the letter back into the envelope, Karl felt dry of emotions. He could not cry nor could he feel the excruciating pain searing through his entity. He failed to grasp and let slip away what was most important, most exquisite, most precious and most valuable once again. For the second time, he allowed himself to be enticed by fame and fortune. He had again chased away his most beloved. This time around, he personally saw to the thorough extermination of his life...

"No. It isn't over yet. I will prove to her my love. Be it 6 months, 6 years, 6 decades or even 6 centuries, I will wait for her. No matter how long it takes, no matter how much I have to go through..."



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This marks the end of Facets of Impermanence(this arc, at least). Will probably only come back to this if some miracle happens.

Sorry if the quality hasn't been that good. I admit I've regressed. But I hope it was still enjoyable!