I reached the neighbouring town before sunrise. My clouded mind has now cleared since last night. I didn't need the support anymore. This new town was much smaller and isolated. Small shops scattered the town's small square; carts and stalls were starting to open getting ready for the day. Fishermen put their fresh catch in order by size and type of fish, farmers stacked their harvests, different merchants organised their stuff. Ah... the simple life of being a human. I envied them for it.

For once, I decided to change my routine. Instead of sleeping in a lonely place; I decided to walk around with the humans for a while. This is something I haven't done for more than seventy-four years. It was a new kind of feeling. Being with the warm humans not trying to kill and eat any of them was like living my old days, before that unforgettable incident. I felt normal again for once.

People greeted me and smiled at me as I passed by. They were really friendly and nice. One merchant gave me a fresh apple. Though I won't eat it, I still accepted it and thanked the nice old man. Maybe I look like a real homeless stranger. I sensed pity in the man's eyes. I looked down at the clothes that I was wearing, they weren't much of clothes anymore; they looked like rags being sewed together. I would need to steal off clothing tonight.

As I passed the town's notice board tasting the apple, which tastes like dirt, one particular piece of paper caught my eye. It was freshly pasted into the brick wall, with all the other notices, just from yesterday. The bitten apple fell from my hand. It rolled over to the canals falling down the sewers. The white parchment held the words that I wasn't expecting to read.

Our beloved Tristyn Borouke, a skilled and brave warrior that had eliminated the most powerful vampire family. A dear husband to Mary Carrin; a well father figure to Charles and John Borouke, adored grandfather to his grandchildren; has had a heart attack this morning and is sadly losing his life quickly. He may not last till the end of this week. If anyone would want to speak and see him for the last time, visit him at the small cottage he now resides.

At the bottom of the paper was the address to his house.

Was this real? Am I still drunk? Am I still at the state of mind?

I stood there motionless for about three minutes. I had a hard time taking it all in. I read it over and over again. Tristyn Borouke was the same name as my childhood friend. The necklace around my neck was being tightly hidden in my hand. Tristyn was a warrior, he defeated my family. "Vilanin, the most powerful royal vampire family there is." I remembered my uncle telling me when I was little. This couldn't be happening. The words that came next was like a blow in the face. Is till couldn't register in my mind that he was dying, quickly.

But, there is a possibility that it might not be him. He could have the same name as Tristyn but not really Tristyn. That man could have also been a warrior and defeated another powerful family. I could think of a lot more reasons of that not being Tristyn.

I read the address over and over again until I remembered it. Maybe... I could check it if it really is Tristyn. There was nothing to lose if I did. I took in a few deep breathes before starting on my journey to find him.

In my mind, I hoped to see another man on his death bed. Looking much much different from Tristyn. He would be there with his caring family and I will also take part in their sympathy but I will also be glad to see that it wasn't Tristyn. But, a small part of me had a feeling that Tristyn, my Tristyn, was dying.