Theory of Happiness

Chapter 4

"Oh god. Oh god. Oh god."

Daniel was rushing through the long hallways of University College of Dublin. The words were repeating in his mind like a mantra.

"Oh god, I have to get home, damn it! I have to get home!"

He just ran away in the middle of a lecture, which caused the annoyance of all students in the auditorium. Many looks turned to him in frustration.

"Mr Jordan, where do you think you are going?" the professor asked irritatedly. The young man didn't pay attention to him, he just mumbled an excuse and flew out.

"What did he mean?! Was he serious?!"

Daniel rushed out of the University's entrance and onto the streets. The words of the other man still echoed in his head. It had taken him quite a few seconds to be able to understand them.

'Dan, I think I found them.'

The streets were busy at that time of the day. The bright weather lured many people to go out for a walk and for once, bask in the rare Irish sun. Golden trees were quietly watching, lined next to the street. But Daniel didn't see any sun or any pedestrians. He was walking in a rush, accidentally pushing them on the way, and didn't even hear their angry mumbles. His mind was blurred, throwing him back and forth through memories and thoughts.

"How on earth is this even possible?!"

Suddenly, he was back in his apartment... 14 years ago. The rain had intensified dramatically again, pouring and hitting the windows, threatening to smash them, and the air was filled with the sound of the thunders. The man was curled up in a ball, laying in his bed and sobbing uncontrollably, surrounded by nothing but regret, collapsing around and smashing him completely. He had never imagined the pain that it would bring him... Looking down at his shaking hands, empty hands, he curved them into tight fists: his nails jabbed his sweaty palms, leaving deep red marks behind themselves. A piece of him was gone... he clenched his jaw painfully tight and tried to calm down with no luck. He snapped and a choking yell escaped from his throat.

Daniel, not looking where he was going, accidentally crashed with a woman on the streets. Getting back to reality, he apologised quickly while she jabbered angrily and pointed at her broken glasses on the ground. The man quickly pulled out a €20 bill from his wallet and shoved it in her hand, then took his bag, got up and left, leaving her stare after him.

After 20 minutes he felt like he was out for an hour. He didn't have time to wait for a taxi, he had to come home as soon as possible, goddamnit! He was panting and tripping when he finally reached his flat's entrance. The elderly women, sitting on the old benches around, mumbled in frustration. The keys jingled in Daniel's trembling hand as he unlocked the door and flew in, not even bothering to close it behind himself. He hurled up the stairs like a storm, not able to see his surroundings, and the moment he reached the fifth floor, his fist collapsed on the wooden door. He didn't stop banging until a tall, black-haired man opened. He was still in his work clothes, hinting he just got home too.

"ADAM, WHAT DID YOU MEAN?!"

This was the only thing Dan could scream as he gripped Adam Ivory's shoulders. He was surprised at first, but then he placed his hands on the shorter man's forearms, feeling them tensely tremble. As his pale, emotionless face was staring at the panicked, desperate one, he slowly said:

"Just come in. I will tell you everything."

His voice was slightly hoarse and trembling, hinting that behind his frozen eyes, reminding of molten silver, was raging a storm. Daniel took a deep breath and tripped inside of the small hallway, lined with drawings.