Hannah lay in her bed. Darren leant over her, placing his elbows on either side. He rubbed his legs gently against hers, and nuzzled his curly hair against the curve of her neck. Hannah's head tilted back as she raised her body, pressing hard into Darren. He began kissing her along her neck, and against her chin finally teasing the edge of her lips with his tongue. Hannah pulled him toward her locking their lips together. His body was hot against hers as he pressed her back down against the bed. He moved his hips in a wave-like motion against hers, and he felt her moan under him. Hannah pushed him of her so he lay next to her, and climbed on top of him. Her fingers wound through his hair, and his hand crept quietly up her back. Hannah leaned down toward him, her hair brushing his cheek, her lips were parted as she began to moan. Louder, and louder until it resembled more of a scream. Then louder again, until…

Darren's alarm screamed on the table next to him. Rolling over slightly in his bed he reached his hand out, fumbling his way through old paperwork and alcohol bottles until he found the alarm clock, and pushed lightly on the 'off' button. He groaned slightly and turned back over, feeling the opposite side of the bed. Of course: There was no-one there.

Darren opened his eyes slowly, squinting against the burning sun that was streaming through the window. He rubbed them gently as they adjusted to the light, and he threw the cover onto the floor, stepping out of the bed and treading across the cans that were scattered around the floor. He wavered slightly as his heel caught one of the cans and swore loudly before stopping himself by holding onto the wardrobe. He caught sight of his reflection for the first time in weeks in the mirror. His eyes were red and blotchy. He had bags the size of lemons, and his skin was pale from withdrawal from the sun. He hadn't shaved in weeks, and where there once was a sleek head of curls, there was now a small afro that resembled an untrimmed bush. He sighed softly and made his way into the kitchen. The TV was still on, and the mountain of dishes was catching up with Everest. He didn't care though. Darren made his way toward the fridge and opened it with a swift movement of his arm. He peered inside and pulled out some squirty cheese and beetroot. He grabbed a loaf of bread from on top of the fridge and made himself a sandwich. Just as he began to tuck in there was a knock at the door. Darren grunted and rose lazily from his now butt-imprinted sofa and walked toward the door. He undid the locks and opened the door.

'Da… What the Fuck happened to you?' Mia exclaimed as she walked into his living room. She took in all of the mess that lay around her and her mouth dropped open. She placed the pot of soup she'd been carrying on the kitchen counter and continued to look around theroom. Darren picked up his sandwich and resumed his place upon the sofa. He turned the TV onto Jeremy Kyle USA and began eating.

Mia returned from the bedroom, a look of horror on her face. 'Darren… you haven't cleaned at all since I last visited, have you?'

Darren ignored her, carrying on eating his sandwich.

'Dare, that was nearly two weeks ago.' Mia sighed as she ran her hand through her hair.

Darren ignored her again.

'Right' She said to herself, walking up to the television, turning it off by the button, and taking Darren's sandwich and throwing it in the bin. Darren didn't react, just continued tp stare blankly at the black screen.

Mia returned and stood in front of Darren again, lifting his chin in her hands, making sure he was listening to her. 'Darren, I know you don't want to talk right now, but you need to listen. I get it. You're heartbroken. You miss her. I know. I do too, but what happened Darren? What happened since that day at the roadside? You seemed to be coping so well…'

Darren pulled his head from her grasp and continued to stare right through her. Mia gave up and flopped onto the sofa, next to him. 'Okay fine. Let's do it your way. Let's just sit and cry and moan and sigh, because that's going to bring her back, isn't it!'

At this he turned to look at her and opened his mouth to speak. 'Don't you DARE judge me! If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be in this situation.' His voice was croaky and dry. Mia sat, shocked. She felt the tears begin to well up in the corners of her eyes, but she wouldn't cry in front of him.

'I- I know that' She stammered, feeling the lump growing painfully in her throat. 'But what do you think she'd want for you. Would she want this? A wasted man in front of a TV screen, or would she like to see you as you were, successful TV star? I'm not asking you to forget her. I'd never ask that, I just mean, if it was the other way around, what would you have wanted for her?'

Darren shifted slightly in his seat, and Mia rose from hers, and began pacing around the room, beginning to clean up after him.

After about 5 minutes a voice came from the sofa. 'Leave it Mia. I'll do it.' Mia watched him rise from his seat and head toward the sink. He was still only in his boxer shorts. Slowly, but surely, he began working his was through the pile and Mia walked over to him, kissing him on the cheek lightly from behind. Her lips itched from the stubble. Darren didn't turn around to bid her goodbye. The door slammed closed behind her as she left.

Darren was left on his own in the kitchen with just the sound of the TV as company. The sound of angry Americans filled the room until all of a sudden the power cut out, and the whole room plunged into silence. The only light in the room came from the small gap in the closed curtains. Darren pulled them open and made his way over to the electric box, He peered inside and checked all the switches, but all of them seemed to be fine. He checked the mains cable. Nope, it wasn't that either. Darren closed the box, bewildered, and walked over to the lounge curtains, flinging them open. It must be a weather thing he concluded as he returned to the sink, surrounded by natural light.

Just as he was finishing the last bowl he heard a soft whisper behind him. He turned his face toward the sound and saw nothing. He heard it again, calling from the other side. He turned and the light that flooded through the curtains temporarily blinded him. He shut his eyes and rubbed them, trying to get rid of the patches that had formed in his eyelids. Turning back toward the sink he opened his eyes, and looking deep into the still, soapy water. A movement in his reflection caught his eye. The likeliness of hand seemed to be creeping toward his shoulder. Darren grabbed the knife that was nearest to him in his hand ready to attack, but he didn't get a chance. As the hand touched Darren's shoulder he felt an ice cold sensation shudder through him, and the shock of it made him fall to the floor, completely knocked out.