London, Callender's property, year 1955
(Narrator POV)
In the living room with a fireplace, bookshelves, sofa and a comfortable armchair, on which a sick man around his 40's is currently sleeping, spreads the aroma of medicines and undrinked tea. Suddenly, sleep of the man has been interrupted.
-Mr Vincent. Its time for another medicine.
Said the man in butler uniform with the glass of green liquid, handing it to the sick one.
-Thank you, Arthur. What's the time?
Asked the man taking the glass and smiling at the butler. He has dark blond hair and green eyes. His skinny body and pale skin shows that the illnes is slowly killing him and his medicines don't work. Despite his skinny figure the man is quite tall standing at 180 cm. But Vincent doesn't seem to worry about his state, which was always amazing to Arthur. He really admires Vincents genius and he's sure he knows about his current condition, Arthur cant understand, how he remains so calm even at his deathbed. Vincent isn't that old to already accept his death and he could live for the next 40 years if it weren't for the disease.
-It's 4.00 PM. You slept for 1 hour, master Vincent.
-I see.
Vincent noticed Arthur's recent curiosity and his strange behavior around him and decided to ask.
-Is something bother you, Arthur? You seem uneasy.
Arthur looked surprised at his words, but then looked at the man and said.
-Yes, actually I have a question, but it's a bit rude to ask...
-Go ahead.
-Well, aren't you scared, master? You must know that your state isn't getting better and... well, the point is, I didn't see any changes in your behavior, despite the change of your condition and yo..
-It's alright, Arthur.
-Huh? I-I think I don't understand. What's alright?
-I don't have much time left, that's true, but to be fair, I died the moment my wife passed away, ten years ago. I don't have any children, Arthur. My parents are dead too, and my siblings don't even talk with me since they moved out from here. The truth is, nobody really needs me here anymore.
- That's not true Mr. Vincent! You are one of the best scientists in England! You are needed more than anybody!
Vincent chuckeled at his words and smiled looking at him.
-Thank you for that kind words, Arthur, but even if it's true, it's to late for this. In the end, I have nothing to be proud of. My knowlage will be useless, since I didn't pass it to enybody, neither I achived something worth of any attention.
I have failed as a scientist, as a teacher, as a husband...
... as a human.
The atmosphere in room got cold, as a deep silience embranced the whole hause.
Arthur is looking down with sad expression.
-There's no need to feel pity about me, Arthur. It's my own choices, my own lifestyle that lead me to this state. This disease actually saved me from the shame and regrets. Only work was leding me away from this thoughts, now I have to face them, my mistakes.
Now... do you have any more questions, Arthur?
Arthur picked up his eyes and confronted his gaze.
-No, I don't Mr. Vincent.
-Alright, I think I will take another nap, I feel tired.
He said as he handed him epty glass.
-Of course Mr.Vincent. I will not interrupt you until it's time for another dose of medicines.
-Thank you. You can go back to your duties.
Then Arthur left the room and Vincent fall asleep.
The main issue is that Vincent never woke up from his slumber.
And Arthur never entered the room either.
The end of Prologue.