This work is dedicated to all my readers who have been following my journey since my very first story.

Thank you for your readership.
Thank you for inspiring me to write.
Thank you for encouraging me to post frequently.
Thank you for basically giving a shit.

There will be no author's notes at the end of each chapter, so this will be the one and only.
Thank you, YLJE for your ability to spot typos! You make my story so much more readable!

This is a little different from the 10k word chapters we're all used to, but please bear with me for a second as I'm always aiming to produce fresh and interesting content.

With all that being said, please enjoy.

I wrote this for you, dear reader.

Third day of the month, sunny.

I saw Seth in the garden, talking softly with Kisara, and I couldn't help but see Seto Kaiba standing there too.

It was quite a painful memory. I walked away quietly so as not to be heard.

I also had a dream about Yugi. I was floating at his bedside, watching his peaceful expression, and I yearn for that tranquility again.

Sleep wasn't a requirement when I didn't have a sense of self, or a physical body. But now...now I don't know

I know I'm being ungrateful.

This is my heaven, my well-deserved "afterlife", but it doesn't feel like much of a life.

Where is Yugi's smiling face? Why am I not waking up every morning to stand beside his mirror, watching him get dressed for the day's events? Instead, I am staring at only a reflection of myself, surrounded by things I am intensely familiar with, in a room I thought I would never see again.

Worst of all, are my thoughts of Seto Kaiba.

He is a worthwhile opponent, one of the most intense people I have had the (misfortune?) of meeting.

No, that's a lie. I am lying to myself.

His energy draws me in, and I can't shake it off.

I think I miss him. I can't tell which I miss more, Yugi's warmth or Kaiba's cold gaze.

Does he remember me? He doesn't know I exist, how could he remember me, Atem you're being stupid. He would address you as Yugi.

I need to rest. Shimon came in just now to offer me some wine and water, both of which I refused.

I don't need a drink, I need peace.

I don't have peace.