Unappreciation

Fatigued and in pain, he limped back to his hometown, the place where he has started his journey, and also the palce where he will end it. His body was covered with bruises and cuts, some looking more severe than others, but overall it was a bloody sight.

His weapon, a simple yet powefulful sword hang loosely from his grips. Its blade was once shiny and sharp but after what he has went thtough, it is now nothing more than a ragged old weapon - these of which he has plenty of.

In his weary mind, he was hoping that the villagers would be delighted to see his return, to congratulate him for his brave conquest. He had pcitured crowds gathering at the entrance of the town cheering him on as he entered and also a magnificent feast specially for him to celebrate his victory.

All these thoughts gave him the energy and determination to manage to return.

He had fought the battle for too long a time to keep track; he was not certain if he has gained age, he was not certain if the people who loved him most could even remember him, but at least he knew that his true love would still be there waiting for him. He recalled the day when he left the town to journey to the lands beyond.

" Please take care of yourself dear, " Joanne said, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks.
" I will. "
" No matter what happens, I will always be here waiting for your return," she uttered.
He could see that Joanne was trying her best to muster up her courage to face reality, which of course was to be aware that her husband might not return.
" Thank You... "
And that was the last conversation they had. Though its short, but it was meaningful.

At last, he could see the small town ahead.
As he got closer, he realised that there was no one at the entrance welcoming his arrival.
He advanced further into town. Whenever he would walk past a townsfolk, they would look at him and turn their heads away in disgust. Was it because of his condition? He was not sure.

But none of that mattered. He only wanted to see his love once again, to be reunited after such a long period of seperation. He quickened his pace, which did hurt him a little, and finally arrived at her house. He knocked on the door. It was a soft knock as his knuckles were also bleeding and could not afford to injure it even more. Moments later he could hear footsteps approaching the door on the other side. The door unlocked and opened. Standing there before him was Joanne.

Though she did look a little different but she was still as beautiful as ever. He was at a loss of words as he was too happy to even speak. Joanne however, opened her mouth to talk.

" May I know who are you? "
These words were said with an indescribable coldness. He could not believe what he heard.

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To be continued.
-!&JavieR