Memories (Prologue)

P R O L O G U E


Life always loves to prove you wrong.

It was just a normal day. Maybe even more ordinary than any of my usual days and I thought that everything would be the same.

Always the same. Maybe I shouldn't have taken it for granted.

I woke up and you weren't there beside me.

Well, it's been years since we have woken up together. I don't even remember the last time we did.

I changed into the suit you had ironed and hung by the wardrobe before finding you outside sweeping the floor.

Breakfast was ready and it was the same, just like every other day.

There were leftovers when I left for work and I didn't tell you. Again.

Work was tiring but I liked it. Because I have a valid reason to be out so our children can take care of you.

After work, everyone went for drinks and I followed, as usual.

We were talking and laughing away, troubles all forgotten and drowned in the sinful pleasure of alcohol.

It was nearly the end of the day.

Nothing was different.

I'll just go home and fall asleep immediately.

Just as I always do.

Right?

My phone rang.

I picked it up unwillingly because I guessed it's from home. No one else would call me on this number.

"Hello?" I sounded monotonous and not the least happy to hear my daughter's voice.

"Dad! M-mom, she--"

I dropped my phone.

Darkness engulfed me fully like a blanket, and for the first time in years, emotions swirled so madly within me and stirred up my long, dead and empty heart.

I blinked countless times, my eyes darting everywhere. My mind blocked out every sound and I just stood there, completely overwhelmed by the news that felt like a bucket of cold water poured over me.

A million thoughts filled my mind and I couldn't pull them together. More like I didn't know what to think and what to feel.

Because the day wasn't normal anymore.

I took in some air and tried to calm my nerves.

Because you died.