It has been about a year since Mel completely disappeared from his life now.

Boaz reflected with a sigh as he sat himself down on the couch and stared blankly at the date and wallpaper that was set on his phone. Time flies. It’s kind of amazing how the sun would continue to rise in the east every morning. How the rest of the world would still go about their business regardless of what earth shattering event had happened on a global or individual level.

Being busy with his work at the hospital and duties as a Captain of the Negaverse had helped somewhat in keeping him functional over the past couple of months. So long as he had a purpose to work towards, it helped to draw his mind away from any stray and random thoughts that an idle one was prone to. From the hollow and emptiness inside that felt like that was all there was left of him now. Skimming over the numbers that corresponded to the time of the day, he set the phone down next to him, eyes glancing up at the ceiling as he leaned back.

The time now was a quarter past eight in the evening.

He was Boaz Crawford, the newly promoted senior Orthopaedic resident since the middle of this month. He was pleasant to work alongside with. He had excellent bedside manners that many a patient had taken the time to pen a compliment letter to commend him for. He had a bright future ahead of him and he couldn’t afford to let something like this get him down to the point that everything that he worked so hard for was forfeit.

He needed to forget about her. To break free from the shackles of their previous relationship if he was to move on in life. He couldn’t even remember when was the last time he had a fitful rest, sat down for a proper meal or enjoyed doing something. It felt like Mel’s absence had not only robbed him of his ability to feel and function but also all the colours, flavours and meaning that the world had to offer.

He probably had some insight with regards to this for a while now, but it was only recently that he was starting to come to terms with and admit it. First there was Christmas then New Year’s then Valentines’ Day. With each festive period that passed, he found the past memories associated with them coming close to overwhelming him, his interest and drive towards anything aside of his responsibilities hitting rock bottom.

Yes, he was sick. So very sick in the mind that he didn’t know what to do or who he could go to as this had never ever happened to him before. All he knew was that no matter what he chose to do about it, it had to be off records otherwise his entire career was going to be ruined.

He should probably get up and try to work up an appetite for dinner before it got too late though.

Even if the thought of food was making him green in the face.