Nine years

He'd never forget the first time he'd met Angela.

She was so warm and bright – just like the sun that played in her chestnut hair.

And now she was gone.

His heart felt so cold and empty. Grief and guilt were his faithful companions all the time.

The pain never subsided as the years passed him by.

Nine long years. Alone.

Love was the one thing he constantly denied himself.

It was his way to pay for his sins.

Forgive me, my love.

That was what he whispered to the darkness throughout his sleepless nights.

Yet the darkness never answered.