Lloyd sat and wept softly, afraid to show his grief lest he become an object of ridicule. His peers mingled around him as he sat in his solitary corner with only his thoughts, unconscious of the people gathered to mourn.

She had been his world. His light. His life. Time seemed to have stopped to allow him to feel the pain of losing her again and again. The only way to break the cycle was unknown to him, but he could only live his life. Lloyd steeled himself and stood, resolving to stop grappling with the intangible.

The ‘friends’ who had gathered with him were nothing. The grief gave him a clearer sight that could see through their mournful facade and into their avaricious souls hoping to gain favor with him. Not to be taken advantage of, Lloyd cut ties with everyone and walked from the room. He did not stop and continued to walk from the house, abandoning his home and the life he had shared with Rebecca. The road took his feet in a direction unknown to him, but he took it unquestioningly.

He was correct in his assessment of the people who claimed to be his friends. Not a single soul followed him from the house or challenged him as he left. He looked forward and bent his unwavering steps toward the horizon, not turning nor faltering in his path.