CHAPTER 2: LONELY AND QUIET
A car pulled into the vast estate of the Del Mundos. An old man in his early fifties stepped out and made his way into the mansion.
His eyes scanned the grand living room's décor. It had a museum-like setup, with action figures meticulously arranged on glossy pedestals.
Childish.
The hallway felt dim, prompting a soft sigh from him. He turned toward the only window, now blocked by a towering stack of cards arranged like a castle.
He stared at the fragile structure for a while... until he noticed slight movement behind him.
Turning around, he saw Raphael standing at a safe distance.
"Doctor. What brings you here this early?" Raphael asked flatly.
"It's Wednesday, have you forgotten?" the doctor replied.
Raphael's expression shifted, a subtle nod saying, Ah, yes. Almost forgot.
"You've done well holding on all these years," the doctor added.
"What?" Raphael asked, raising a brow.
"This hallway reminds me of someone..." the doctor mused.
"He's just as lonely and quiet. And do you know why?"
He gestured toward the massive card structure.
"Because just like this stack is blocking out the sunshine meant to brighten this hallway... he too has a giant wall in front of him."
They both stared at the stack in silence.
Then Raphael scoffed, "So you're suggesting I knock it down? I spent years building that. What a heartless man."
The doctor blinked, confused. "But… I didn't—I wasn't saying—"
He looked helplessly between Raphael and the cards, words failing him.
"I never said anything like that," he tried again. "I was just reminded of someone I—You know what? Never mind."
Too late. Raphael was already walking away.
"That brat," the doctor muttered under his breath.
---
Later, seated in Raphael's bedroom, the doctor asked, "There's a new vaccine in the country. Would you like to try it?"
Raphael glanced at his desk drawer, mentally counting the pill bottles stacked inside.
"No, thank you," he replied, voice cold.
"And why not?" the doctor pressed gently.
"Look around. My room is literally stocked with drugs. Just forget about it." He pulled his duvet over his head and pretended to sleep.
"Of course, you need time to think. But it's still too early to sleep—why not go for a jog around the estate? Keep yourself in shape?" the doctor suggested, hopeful.
Raphael silently waved him off with a 'shoo' gesture.
The doctor stood, sighing, and left the house.
---
As soon as Raphael heard the front door close, he got out of bed, walked over to the desk, and picked up an empty pill bottle.
He stared at the unreadable drug name.
"I'm so rich, and all I ever spend money on are drugs. It all goes to waste in the end. Not like they'll ever work anyway..." he muttered.
He dropped the bottle, crawled back into bed, and forced himself to sleep.
---
Outside, the doctor was about to open his car door when a familiar voice called out.
"Mr. Arthur!"
He turned to see the estate caretaker, Old Man Ray—an elderly man responsible for managing the entire estate.
"My friend, it's been a long time," Arthur said warmly. They exchanged greetings.
"Do you have a moment?" Ray asked.
Soon enough, both men were seated in Ray's cozy quarters, sipping cinnamon tea.
"Nice scent," Arthur commented.
"Thanks. That's my specialty," Ray replied with a smile.
"I called you here to talk about Raphael," Ray said, tone sobering.
"Raphael... is a truly rare case. In all my years of practice, I've never encountered anything like it," Arthur admitted.
"It's been 17 years already. I truly pity the boy," Ray said. "What he went through wasn't easy."
"There's a new vaccine. I offered it to him—but he refused. I think he's starting to lose hope," Arthur sighed.
"Who wouldn't?" Ray replied. "He might act all cold and tough, but deep down, he's still that lonely, scared ten-year-old missing his parents."
They both sat in silence, sipping their tea.
Suddenly, Ray coughed—hard.
"Old Man Ray? Are you alright?" Arthur asked, clearly worried.
"I'm fine, just a dry cough. It'll pass," Ray said, coughing again.
"That doesn't sound fine at all. Would you come to the hospital with me?" Arthur offered.
"It's alright. But I'd appreciate it if you could send over some medicine," Ray replied.
"Of course. I'll have it delivered," Arthur said and rose to leave.