It would have been too dramatic to say that the world I see has turned black and white. As if I was transported to a silent film where all I see are grays without a splash of color. Still, I find it accurately how I see the world.

"The schedule will be sent to you soon, sir."

I nodded and the secretary left. The folders were stack neatly at the side while I read the file she just left me with.

Day in and out, work has been the central event of my waking hours. I meet familiar faces and speak almost scripted speeches with a fabricated business smile.

For a man my age, I would have been married and enveloped by warmth. However, I have lost that chance before and I do not have the heart to look for one again.

My fiancé, a beautiful and intelligent woman, has been with me through the ups and downs of my start up company. We weren't living the dream but rather with the reality of hardwork and sacrifices. Still, she never left my side.

Day in and out, she filled my days with motivation and support. A moment without her would have caused my ruin.

And when I thought things were going smoothly, during the moments when I thought was the right time to push for the wedding...

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I let them in and from it came a familiar face.

"Are you not happy to see a friend, David," he teased, waltzing his way towards the seat dedicated for guests.

I smiled, similar to how I'd greet acquiantances. I stood up to take the seat in front of him.

"Of course, not. I'm happy to see you again, Gerald."

He grinned, the same brilliant eyes looking back at me.

"Your company has been growing well. I'm glad you've kept it running."

I knew what he meant and of course I took no offense in his words. He had lost the same gem I have, maybe lost more than I have.

"After a year, you've finally come and visit."

He nodded, intertwining his fingers and resting his elebows on each thigh.

"I spent the last year going places. I hoped to at least leave a piece of my grief wherever I go."

His eyes became distant for a moment before he looked at me with a piercing gaze. There was silence between us for a moment and I felt a foreboding dread to not look away.

"Did it work?"

His pointed question left no context to anyone who would've heard our conversation but I knew what he meant.

I made a vow then. I hoped that would seal the pain and somehow transform it to a feeling of satisfaction and peace.

"The company kept growing, hasn't it?"

He leaned back on his seat and chuckled. I sensed that my answer wasn't what he was expecting.

"It sure did. Hannah would have been proud."

I flinched at the mention of her name. I haven't heard it spoken by anyone nor me. Even a photo of her had been evaded by my sight. I haven't had the courage to see a glimpse of her.

"Yeah," I mumbled. I didn't even know it was possible for my voice to crack in a low voice.

"So, it didn't work," he sighed.

I met his softened gaze. Worry was transparent in his gentle smile.

"When was the last time you've taken a break?"

He didn't wait for an answer. I suppose my weary demeanor was enough...