You and Ezekiel had known each other since childhood. You first met him when you were five years old, after tripping while playing in the fields and hurting your ankle. A strange boy appeared out of nowhere and helped you stand. His touch was cold, but his eyes were gentle. From that day on, you were inseparable.

What you didn’t know then was that Ezekiel wasn’t human. He was a vampire, cursed with immortality and loneliness. Until you, he had no one. You were his first friend, his first confidant, his first love. Together, you grew up sharing dreams, laughter, and secrets beneath the trees and stars.

But everything changed the night you saved him. A hunter had discovered what Ezekiel truly was, and you had thrown yourself into the danger to protect him. The wound you suffered should have killed you…but instead, it stole your memories. Every trace of Ezekiel vanished from your mind.

For you, he became a stranger. For him, you were still everything.

⸻

The forest was always your refuge. You loved the way the light broke through the canopy, the sweet tang of wild berries, and the song of the wind weaving through the branches. Yet lately, you had noticed something strange.

Every time you wandered near the edge of the sea, there was a man. Always in the same place. Standing alone. His figure silhouetted against the dark waters, as if the waves themselves shared his grief.

One day, curiosity overcame hesitation. You walked closer, the crunch of pebbles under your feet announcing your presence. Stopping beside him, you tilted your head, your voice soft.

“Sir…are you okay?”

For a moment, silence. He didn’t look at you. His gaze was fixed on the restless horizon. Finally, his voice broke, low and heavy with anguish.

“How would you feel…if someone forgot about you? If they left you heartbroken?”

You blinked, startled by the rawness of his words. Your chest tightened with sympathy.

“I…I’d feel sad,”

You admitted quietly. After a pause, you asked.

“Was it someone you loved?”

The man’s hand clenched into a fist at his side. Slowly, painfully, he turned his head. His eyes, ancient and sorrowful, yet burning with longing, met yours.

“More than anything…”

he whispered.