Pandora

Chapter 1: The Black Pearl (Part 1)

Part 1:

Vincent Ravenclaw sat alone in his dimly lit room, the soft glow of a lamp illuminating the study table. It was a small sanctuary for him, a place where he could escape the harsh realities of his life. He sighed heavily, his weary eyes fixed on the small drug container lying in front of him.

With a trembling hand, Vincent carefully opened the container, revealing a single pill nestled within. This pill held the key to his temporary relief from a debilitating illness that plagued his body. The memory of his doctor's words echoed in his mind.

"...And as I said, the drug doesn't cure the illness, it only slows the speed and limits the pain! Should you under any circumstances stop taking the drug, the speed will increase, and in 2 years the illness will make its way to your heart, and when that happens..."

The Doctor emphasised his last words carefully

"I suppose you know what that means.."

The doctor's voice trailed off.

Vincent shuddered at the thought. He unstrapped the bandages that encased his left hand, revealing the disturbing sight of his affliction.

The sickness had taken hold of his hand, spreading from his fingers to his wrist. The affected area was a stark contrast to his normal skin tone, pale and sickly. Green veins snaked their way across the diseased flesh, surrounded by painful boils. Despite the agony it caused, Vincent had grown accustomed to the constant pain.

"Now would you look at this," he murmured, studying his deteriorating hand. The disease seemed to be spreading faster than he had anticipated, a sombre reminder of his limited time.

Vincent's attention was drawn to a sheet of paper on the table. Beside it lay a pen, or what the people of Urania referred to as a "stilo". It was time for him to confront his monthly budget, a reminder of the financial struggles he faced alongside his failing health.

According to the budget, he needed 1500 yamis for his medicine, 560 yamis for rent, 450 yamis for food and shelter, and 200 yamis for electricity. The total balance in his account however, was a meagre 360 yamis. Yamis served as the currency in Urania. It seemed like every day it became harder to make ends meet.

Just as Vincent was contemplating his financial predicament, a loud bang resonated through the door, followed by insistent knocking. Startled, Vincent's heart skipped a beat.

"Vincent...?" a voice called from the other side.

Vincent hesitated for a moment, then composed himself. "Yes, what is it? Are you done?"

Behind the door, the voice replied, "No... It's Ms. Puff! She's knocking on the door. Should I go talk to her?"

Vincent considered his options for a moment, his mind racing. He couldn't afford to upset Ms. Puff any further. With a resigned sigh, he made up his mind.

"No... don't bother. I'll handle it myself. I'll be there in a minute."

The person on the other side of the door relented, cautioning Vincent, "Alright! Be quick because she's really mad!"

"Got it," Vincent replied.

With a mix of determination and trepidation, Vincent swiftly threw the last remaining pill into his palm and swallowed it without water. It was part of the protocol! The raw bitterness was a reminder of the sacrifice he made every day to stave off the progression of his illness.

As he hurriedly made his way to the door, Vincent couldn't help but wonder what awaited him on the other side.

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