Episode 1

Cold, almost ice cold, and yet it felt refreshing. The soothing water passed over my blistered feet, revitalising them. Judging by the heat and the position of the sun, it was noon. I had been running for over an hour.

My breathing, finally, calmed as I gazed at the water flowing in front of me. The current had me hypnotised and my eyes remained fixated on the stones that lay at the bottom of the crystal stream. A flurry of thoughts came rushing, as I tried to make sense of them, I began to slouch and felt the remaining few ounces of energy seep out of me.

Sure, things hadn't been going smooth in our relationship, but I had been trying to make it work. Between meeting deadlines at the magazine and trying to get the mortgage for the flat, I barely had time to breathe. When I did make time, she was always occupied with a birthday, anniversary, or some ladies lunch. Finally, it all made sense. I couldn't believe how blind I had been. If I had just paid a little more attention and raised my head once in a while, it would have been as clear to me as the stream I was peering into.

I had all the pieces in our place for our special day together. The plan was to arrive at Sophia's house and first surprise her with breakfast in bed. A basket of warm of warm croissants along with scrambled eggs and a simple hot chocolate. I was then going to take her cycling in the park followed by a champagne brunch for just the two of us. It was going to be a simple day, filled with romance and quality time. But it won't be happen anymore, she ruined everything.

They must've heard me climbing up the stairs since he was already standing by the bed, hastily pulling up his underwear. I don't remember what crossed in my mind at that instant. I was blank and yet a crushing array of emotions passed through me. I remember feeling enough rage to pounce on him and tear his limbs apart. The crashing tray snapped me out of my bewilderment and when my gaze hit the floor, I saw the juice and coffee gush over her beige shag carpet. I stood there and stared, not knowing what to say or even think. I remember her saying something to me but I couldn't make out what it was.

The stinging on my hand brought me out of my hypnotic state. I saw the little vampire feasting on me, and with one crushing strike, sent him to his doom. If only I could have done to Drew what I had done to mosquito. The reality was that it was not as much his fault as it was hers. I had always believed that it was human nature to prey on what others possessed, so much so that no coveting what belonged to others was the tenth commandment. But, Sophia allowed it to happen.

I lost count of how many minutes or hours I had spent sitting by the stream, but after awhile, I had lost all feeling in my feet. I wasn't sure if it was the water or the pain that had left me numb all over. It was time to head off but not home, not yet. I began to walk around, staring at the moist green grass beneath my feet. Suddenly, I had nothing to do.

Eventually, I'd have to go home but sitting there alone within those four walls would drive me insane. I had to concentrate on getting control of my mind. I focused on my sorroundings, feeling the gentle breeze brushing my hair, the quiet rush of the stream and the open air. That's when it struck me.. For christ sake the car! I had left the car in her driveway.

Was he still there?

Had she called me?

Had she noticed my car parked outside?

Thoughts began to race faster. That was it. I would never go back to that house again. I was alone. It was over. A deep dark sadness enveloped me and I collapsed onto the grass in sheer emotional exhaustion. The weight in my chest grew heavier as the lump in my throat increased in girth. A whirlwind of emotions swept through me. Too many to count, let alone describe, but two emotions were consistent, sorrow and rage.

I had met Andrew but we call him Drew instead at our weekly basketball game. He was just another one of the guys. Sophia would come and watch us play; a habit of hers I treasured. I never knew if she came because she knew how much I liked having her there, or because she enjoyed watching the game. That was also where they first met. How many times most I have played with him, unaware of the reality that continued to transpire around me? Who else knew? My head was spinning and I felt nauseous. I had been such a naive fool.

The skies began to darken and I realised that hours had passed while I sat drowning in my mystery. Standing up, I walked to curb and hailed a cab. The car would have to be left for another day.

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