It was thickly covered with blood. The doctor carefully cleaned the wound and dressed it with medicated gauze and surgical tape. During the entire procedure, no emotion registered on Brian's face. He was careful to mask any pain or discomfort he felt at that time. The doctor treated him efficiently even though privately, his thoughts were about how aloof the patient was and how strict he was, particularly with himself.
After completing the surgery, the physician cleaned up and put away his tools then listed down what was needed to help in the healing. Brian said nothing, and there was no indication he paid any attention to the orders. The doctor sensed Brian was already in a bad mood and decided to make a hasty exit. He bowed before the patient then left the villa.
"You can also go and have a rest," Brian told John. He remembered the soiled seat cover and ordered John,"Get the sofa changed tomorrow."
"Yes, I will do that," a worried John replied. As concerned as he was about Brian, John knew how stubborn his master was. He would only disregard anything John said, even if it was good for him. Since there was nothing he could say or do, John took his leave.
Alone now, Brian sat quietly on the sofa, his eyes glued to the expansive sky outside his window. He saw stars twinkling in the dark sky like they were eyes blinking. It was a beautiful sight that could get people drunk during a peaceful and silent night.
He sat there calm and distant, soaking in the feeling. His black eyes, seemingly ready to spar, grew sharper gradually and became even darker. It was as if his eyes were like the night sky with glittering stars that appeared to be dancing.
After what seemed like hours, the nerves in his muscles suddenly trembled and there was a prickly feeling in his arms. He frowned again and stared out the window before taking out Molly's phone from his pocket. One long finger slid on the screen and unlocked the phone. A picture jumped at him and filled the screen. It was a photo of the cute snow couple, with one wearing Molly's hat and scarf, the other his tie.
Squinting his eyes, Brian stared at the picture and thought of that night when he and Molly stood hand-in-hand in one corner of the garden. He struggled to remember the feeling of warmth and peace he felt then. It was the night when Molly expressed her feelings for him using the phone, to help lift the heavy burden in his heart.
He felt the corners of his mouth curling into a smile as he thought of that night. The smile remained on his face. But he was struck by reality and sneered inside. "Dust! That's all it is. How can she even be qualified to play the game of love when she's nothing but dust?" he murmured.
Regardless of the thought, his eyes turned soft as he stared at the photo and a gentle smile creased his face, which he did not even realize.
Seconds passed then the phone screen turned dark. Brian tore his gaze from the phone, put it back in his pocket and stood up. He would attempt to go up the stairs. As he was about to lift one foot, he stopped. Brian looked at the stained coat and shirt lying on the sofa that John forgot to discard. The blood had already dried and was now dark red. He narrowed his eyes while staring at it then turned away. He put one foot forward to begin his walk towards the stairs.
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