CHAPTER 4.5: SUFFERING OF A LONELY HEART

***The Holy Palatial Gardens***

It was around the middle of the ‘long sleep’ when Maddie was awakened. There was no noise, nor someone moving around her, but all this time, she knew she was putting a strong front. It was one of those moments that it finally broke. Her sleep was interrupted because of one reason…

“Kuro…”,

From her bed, she imagined the figure of the man she loves, standing before her, smiling. Those times when he would show up at her door, bringing in some warm milk before she sleeps, and would talk to her about their day until she closed her eyes.

Honestly, Maddie never thought of anything special about Kuro’s routine. She thought he would always be with her. She thought those happy days would be long. She had taken him for granted…

…until he was gone.

Tears began flowing from her eyes once again, and soon she was crying her heart out. No one was there to see her do it, so she let it go…everything that weighs her heart down.

When is the last time that this room of hers felt so cold and empty?

“…”

Maddie got up and went out to the courtyard to catch some fresh air. Just across the other side was the palace where Kuro used to stay. Never in her life did Maddie think she would always look at that place with sadness and longing.

Looking around, she went to the doors of the palace, which was locked-up when news of Kuro’s disappearance became known to the entire Holy Palatial Gardens’ staff. Her hands went for the doorknobs, chanting magic to unlock them. However, she hesitated opening it once she unlocked the doors.

“…”

Deep inside—though she knew it was impossible—Maddie prayed that the moment she opened those doors, Kuro would be there standing, waiting for her visit….

“!!!”

However, just as she expected, it was quiet and empty. The small pain in her heart gradually grew, and tears welled up once again in the corners of her eyes as she traced his steps into the palace’s façade.

Wiping her eyes with her sleeves, Maddie took a deep breath and steeled herself. Now was not the time for tears. She would be strong for Kuro and would wait for him until he comes back into her arms.

“Maddie?”

“!!!”

Her train of thoughts was interrupted when she heard someone’s voice from behind her. Turning around, Maddie almost jumped in surprise when she saw her friend James standing by the doorway.

“J-James! Wha-What are you doing here?” she wondered if ever he saw her cry.

“Well, I couldn’t sleep.” the king of Nerfes told her, “And just as when I went outside my room to catch some sleep, I saw you come here. I thought it was locked?”

“Oh…w-well, I’m also trying to catch some sleep.” Maddie smiled, “You know, it’s been pretty hectic lately, so I’m kind of stressed-out.”

“I knew you are stressed, but are you sure that’s the reason?” James asked, “Aren’t you crying just now?”

“M-Me?” the Saint laughed, “Crying? No! Something’s got into my eyes, and it’s quite irritating!”

“Hmm…you know, Maddie, I may not be as intelligent as you, but I’m your friend. I can tell if you’re crying or not just by looking at you.”

Maddie was taken aback by her friend’s words. She had no counter for it, so she just said, “I-I’m fine, James. Thanks for your concern.”

“Ah…it’s okay as well.” James chuckled, “You’re a strong lady, Maddie; everyone knows that side of you. However, it’s not all the time you could put up a strong front. Your friends—Lily, Simon, and I—are more than willing to listen to you.”

“Th-That’s…” at that point, Maddie’s chest felt heavy once again.

“Don’t worry. There will be times when you need someone to cry on.”

It was then that she finally could not control herself. Maddie erupted into a heartfelt cry as she tried to hide her face from James. He was quick to pat her shoulders, silently telling her it’d be fine.

“James…I miss Kuro!”

Her cries were painful to see, but it was even more devastating to hear her words. James never wished for Maddie to become like this, so he wrapped her in his arms. He swore to himself that he would stay with her until he saw her happy smile once again.