Hey

William walked away full of determination, and yet his heart was in turmoil. It was not the fact that Melissa ruined everything, it was more of the chance for her mother to become well faster. He wanted to lessen the time it would take for her mother to wake up. She had been asleep for most of their lives, therefore, he wanted to spend the rest of their lives together as a happy family. He wanted her mother to experience life that was full of love and happiness with everyone that was dear to him. His sister, father, and Mia.

He took a sigh to expel the bad air that was accumulating in his lungs, he felt that he needed the fresh air to think for himself. This was only one failure and yet it was stifling, he wondered how his father and sister were able to hold on with barely any hope for results. William clenched his fist as these thoughts crossed his mind. His father and sister never gave up on any chance for her mother, he did not have the time to wallow in his failure nor the time to think of such negative emotions. His sagged back started to straighten as he looked ahead in front of him. His feelings of despair have started to disintegrate like a passing breeze in his life. His steps that were full of burden started to have more life into them.

He could breathe normally again.

He did not feel stifled anymore.

He was walking with every step full of determination while the light in his eyes brightened with new vigor.

Back at his home

William decided to change his attack.

He was not fixated at the research that Melissa was holding her grasp instead e set his sights farther.

Is thoughts were simple, "if Melissa's research facility was able to come up with results then it would not take long for others to do the same."

It can be seen all throughout the world how technology has come so far due to humanity's perseverance and talent. It was impossible for others to not be able to catch up. Therefore, he looked into the files his sister gave him. It was all of the research facilities that they have approached, funded and made relations with. The list was long but it was not all of them.

Up to now, new research facilities are being created as people started to focus n the new age, the era of science and it's advancement. With his full focus going into his research, he was not able to see or feel the buzzing sound as the lights flickered from his phone.

SFX *buzz buzz*

His phone kept vibrating on the left side of his table as he taps away on his computer. The light from his computer illuminating his handsome face concentrating on the words on his computer.

The buzzing sound from his phone stopped.

**************

10:35pm

Mia looked at the time.

She sighed then held her phone closer to her heart.

She wanted to talk to William.

Although she knew he might be busy or asleep. She still had a tiny bit of hope to hear the sound of his voice. It did not matter if they talk about the most mundane things, all she wanted was to hear his voice.

*sigh*

Another sigh could be heard in the room. She stared at the ceiling of her room while trying to catch some sleep, but in the end, it did not come to her. She tossed and turned in her bed while thinking of William.

How was his day?

Did he eat properly?

What was he doing?

Why wasn't he picking up his phone?

Frustrated with herself from having these thoughts repeat in her head, she suddenly bolted up from her bed. Her legs flung into the air before crashing to the bed with a thud. Since it has come to this, I'd better go for a walk outside, she thought.

Her rustling out of her bed awoke her tiny dog from her sleep and walked towards her with a questioning gaze. "What are you up to?" is what the dog looks felt like.

"Do you want to come with me for a walk?" Mia asked Happy while she dressed.

Happy wagged her tail happily and tottered beside Mia as though saying "yes".

Mia grabbed Happy's leash, her jacket, wallet, and phone.

They walked out the house and the first thing that welcomed her was the cold passing of the winds hitting her face. Mia couldn't help herself and shudder. She put on the hoodie before stepping out.

The streets were silent, only the flickering lights illuminated the streets. All the local stores were all closed so she decided to head to the convenience store. The streets looked desolate from the lack of people bustling on the streets. Usually, it was still lively during these hours. There was a night market that catered for the individuals who arrive late from work. Men who gather and drink at the stalls, college students who are out for a bite to eat or people who are trying to experience the different cuisines at night. But they were nowhere to be found.

This change was one of the effects of what her mother and Dr. Canes said in passing. She was wondering how it all started. Even the barbeque place that she used to frequent has closed her stall. She had never once seen that place closed, not even for a day, but now only darkness occupied the location of where it once stood.

Mia felt melancholy trying to remember those fond memories of her. Her walking speed slowed every time she would remember something.

But suddenly something felt wrong.

There were no people on the street but every time she took a step, there was another sound of footsteps not too far from her. What bothered her was that every time her steps slowed, so was the person behind her.

She peeked behind her but found no one.

Mia started to grasp the leash of Happy tighter than before. Her steps became faster and one could consider it brisk walking. The sound of behind became louder which made her heart beat louder. She was trying to hold on to the fright that her mind was going through right now. She looked ahead and she saw the illuminated sigh of the convenience store not far away from her.

It was only one street away. Her feet started to fasten as she ran with all her strength. Happy was running along with her.

*thud thud thud*

The noise from behind her became louder as she felt the presence was finally trying to lessen the gap from her. Her heart almost jumped out from her chest while her breathing became haggard.

*huff huff huff*

She cursed at herself for not exercising enough as she was wheezing. Her body felt heavy as lead as he wanted to flop on the floor. She looked ahead, "a couple more steps, just a couple more." She tried to encourage herself as the sign from the convenience store was up ahead. The glass windows showed some people inside the store which made her relieved.

But suddenly she heard a man's shout behind her.

"Hey!"