1 When all things changed

We all have dreams, we all have goals in life we want to achieve...but what happens when all you've worked so hard for ended in one second either to accident or illness or being murdered. Some people fight hard everyday to stay alive while some people murder. This is our society right now. Why? We don't know... probably fate or destiny... but one thing we know is that... every second that goes by matters.

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"brrrnggg" As Stella's alarm rang, she was still sleepy.

"Ugh, just let me sleep for one more hour." As Stella groaned, she got up unwillingly.

"Stella, your breakfast is on the table. We need to hurry or else we will be late for work!" Stella's co-worker and bestfriend, July, is a great cook and they've been living together ever since they graduated from university.

"I'm coming!" As Stella quickly got ready and ate her breakfast, July and Stella quickly rushed to Cafe Times. The place they worked together for so long.

Stella's long term dream was still becoming a doctor. On the day of getting an offer from the medical school, her older brother, Simon, got into an accident and was in a coma ever since. She gave up her doctor dream and started working at this cafe which was near her apartment at the time. She needed to earn money to support herself and to pay for her older brother's medical bill.

Keeping a smile on her face is her way of telling herself everything will be fine.

As customers flow in and out, things got busier than usual.

"Stella, manager wants to see you." July peeked outside.

"It's okay, I'll take over." July quickly ran over and told Stella to go in.

"Stella, you've worked at this cafe for a long already and I would like you to take some breaks. I know you need money for your brother's medical bills. This is your advanced payment. I am sorry for not doing this earlier. Spend some time with your brother, you barely had enough time to visit him. I believe your brother will wake up. He is such a good man." Stella was surprised about the sudden break but she thanked her manager nevertheless. Her manager met her brother several times before. Simon was a gentleman, caring, and polite. Stella really wished her brother can wake up.

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Stella arrived at the hospital with a bouquet of flowers. Simon's colleague was nice enough to provide a private room but Stella did not like to depend on people especially money wise. Stella was grateful.

"Simon, I'm here again. I am sorry for not visiting you lately. I... was busy with work. I know that is an excuse but I... was afraid. Afraid that you will never up, I was scared. We only have each other now... I know I cannot run away forever. From today and onward, I am going to come everyday. I missed you so much. I will do anything for you when you wake up. Let's fight together." As Stella forced herself to smile, tears running her cheeks. She wiped away her tears and held onto Simon's hand tightly.

"Stella! I knew you were not going to eat anything." July stormed in with homemade sushi and miso soup.

"You have to eat something. Simon wouldn't be happy if you did not take care of yourself." July stuffed one sushi into Stella's mouth.

"You're right... I cannot give up. Simon still needs me. He's my only family." July nodded, "That is why you need to eat healthy." Stella smiled. July is her best friend since elementary school and been through ups and down with Stella.

"Stella, on my way here I saw someone selling this book. So many people were fighting to get this book." July showed the book to Stella and her eyes went big.

"Omg, July... you actually got the limited version of Immortal's Love? I love Eclipse's writing! I really wanted to buy this but didn't find the time. Thank you, my friend." July nodded and smiled.

"You're always a bookworm. Ever since I met you in elementary school, you will always hog at least 10 books." Stella smiled.

"Hmhm..." As Stella began to flip through the pages, July poked her.

"Stella, you know what I heard. There was a rumor saying Eclipse isn't the author's real name. Some people mentioned it was another name." "Really? Maybe he wrote a pen name to hide his identity. I really want to meet him one day." Stella told July.

As July and Stella head back to their apartment, the weather was beautiful especially at night when the moonlight shines on them.

"I really wish Simon can wake up and enjoy the night scenery. It's so beautiful." Stella frowned and sighed. Simon is a great brother and always spoiled Stella when she was young. He was her knight in shining armor when their parents left them with their aunt. Sadly, their aunt passed away and their uncle went oversea to who knows where. It was Simon who took care of her, with the insurance money..it was enough for them to get through university. But, Simon barely used it. He went on taking multiple jobs and making his own money to pay for their tuition. He will always be the best brother to Stella.

"I am sure he will wake up. Let's keep visiting him and talk to him. I am sure he can hear us." July wrapped her arm on Stella's shoulders. She nodded enthusiastically. No matter what happens, she will do anything for Simon even sacrificing her time to find a boyfriend.