Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7

You can keep them alive in the way you choose to live.

It’s 10 am. It’s a surprise he’s woken up this early. He packs everything into the box, climbs up the ladder, and pushes it back to its original place. He pulls his collar and smells it, he’s obviously disgusted by how he smells. Then he walks to the bathroom, I follow him, it’s been a while since I’ve had a bath too. Come on, stop judging me.

He wears my shirt and tracks, combs his hair with his fingers. Where is he going?
I don’t know. But, I could guess. It might be a beach. Beaches were his armour in turmoil. He’s picked up the keys to lock the door.

He’s starting his bike. He could wait while I tie my lace. He’s always in a hurry. I don’t know what happened. He stops the bike, and rushes back inside. What did you forget Adarsh? Maybe the camera, or his purse. He’s been anxiously searching for something on the table, in our drawers, in the bedroom, in all the shelves.

He runs towards the TV set, pulls the chair beside him, bends down to pick up the battery, stretches his hand to remove the clock and changes the battery.

The clock is ticking. He pauses, and stares at it.
Tears roll down his cheeks and reach his soft lips.

He cried.
He finally cried.
Maybe, I should leave him alone now.
Maybe, I should leave him.

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