CHAPTER 1
The world had no colour. It never did,it was silent but not in a way that was peaceful but a way that clouded my judgement when I think about how the day goes by again and again.
It was the kind of silence that stretched,pressing against his skin,wrapping around his chest like a weight he could not bring himself to shake off no matter how hard he tried.
Caius took a slow sip of his coffee,letting the warmth spread through him.He paused for a moment, savoring the taste, before setting the cup down with a sigh
"Hmm this is the only thing that actually tastes good around here.No sugar,no cream- Just the raw unfiltered bitterness.
Perfect ".
He set the cup down with a soft clink against the marble table,his gaze unfocused.
He glanced at the clock, but time never really mattered
" I don't have anything to do anyways"
Friends? Hm..he didn't remember the last time he'd been bothered to call one. Family?A name he recognized,but it felt distant,like and echo from a world he no longer belonged to. The sound of the city outside continued,but to him,it was just background noise that always bothered him like the static of an old radio.Nothing ever changed. Not the view.Not the people.Not him.
The door opened with a soft creak,and in stepped Gregory, carrying a tray of fresh pastries and a cup of water. "You've been up for hours,sir. I was starting to worry you'd fade into the furniture again." His voice was bright,and playful.
Caius didn't look up,with the corner of his mouth twitched. "I've got nothing to fade into, Gregory".
"Sure you do", Gregory said,setting the tray down the table. "The couch might be practically begging you to take a nap, but I'm afraid I'll have to intervene.
"There's a meeting in an hour, and they'll be expecting the version of you who is fully present not being selective about involvement. "
Caius sighed, with a blank voice when he spoke." Alright. I'll make an appearance. Give me probably less than an hour.
Gregory smiled,hands clasped behind his back." Of course,sir. Take all the time you need. I'll be waiting with your suit ready".
He paused as he headed for the door, adding with a wry smile, "You might wake up and find that things don't feel quite so gray."
Caius set his cup down,his eyes still on the window. " Is there any way you can stop those damn noises from outside?
They're irritating".
Gregory glanced up with a smirk,his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Well, unless you want me to start stopping cars from driving down the road, I'm afraid its beyond my control."
Caius didn't respond,his eyes still fixed on the window. The world outside remained as muted as ever as Gregory left closing the door behind him.
He leaned back in his chair, taking another sip of his coffee, his thoughts distant. " I'm excited for that day,"he whispered,barely audible,as if to himself.