Love Began with the First Meeting

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.

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

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

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.

thought, his eyes turned soft as he stared at the photo and a gentle smile creased his

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

in pain. He reached the top of the stairs in good time and proceeded to his bedroom where he paused at the door. He glanced at Molly's room and decided to check in on her. He pushed the door open and frowned when he didn't see her on the bed. Her bedside lamp was on. 'Where was

to her chest and arms wrapped around her knees. He should have known she would end up this way. Brian sighed.

way every time she was sad or wanted to escape from something unpleasant. And this behavior annoyed Brian. He walked over silently and with lips tightly closed, stared at her condescendingly. She had nearly buried her

shot through his body from the exertion and sudden movement. He had forgotten the bullet wound in his shoulder. After taking a deep breath, he shifted Molly and carried her to the

curled up position. Her lips were closed tightly and he could see the grief in her face even asleep. Brian noted