The morning sun had given way to a warm afternoon, the house quiet and serene. Theresa, Allaine, and Cassy were out, leaving Altair alone in the house. He had woken up late, the result of a heavy gaming session that had lasted well into the night after his dinner with Cassy and Theresa. Despite his late start, he found a meal prepared for him by Cassy before she had left for school. 
Altair emerged from his room, expecting to find the house empty. Instead, he found a girl in a blue summer dress sitting in the lounge. Her hair was a little messy, as if she had just woken up, but she was beautiful, nonetheless. Her skin was a rosy, white color, her eyes a vibrant green, and her lips a soft pink. She had a natural beauty about her that was hard to ignore. 
They both looked at each other in surprise, neither expecting to find the other there. 
"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to startle you!" Altair quickly apologized; his voice filled with genuine concern. 
"No worries! It's fine! I'm sorry for the other day, my name is Mikayla, Princess Mikayla Graciella, an influencer," Mikayla introduced herself, her voice warm and friendly. 
Altair bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Pleased to meet you, Ms. Graciella. I'm Altair Mirales, a former financial consultant." 
"How's your injury?" Mikayla asked, her eyes flicking to his bandaged hand. 
"It's healing well. I should be able to move it freely by next week. I'm sorry if I startled everyone the other day. It wasn't my intention," Altair apologized again, his voice sincere. 
"It's okay now. We all reacted a bit rashly as well. I hope you're finding your stay here comfortable. I heard you've been getting along well with Theresa and Cassy?" Mikayla asked, her tone casual. 
"They've been very kind to me," Altair replied, reaching for his coffee cup. He poured himself a cup of coffee, unaware that the food Mikayla was eating was actually meant for him. 
"So, what have you been doing with your time lately?" Mikayla asked, her curiosity piqued. 
"Nothing much, really. Watching videos, movies, doom scrolling, and gaming for the most part," Altair replied, his tone nonchalant. 
"Aren't you a bit old to be gaming? No offense, just a genuine question," Mikayla asked, her tone light. 
Altair smiled, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "You're right, but it helps to divert my mind," he replied. 
"You have a lot of options, you know? You could go to the gym, lift some weights," Mikayla suggested, her tone encouraging. 
"I appreciate your advice, Ms. Graciella. I just don't have the will or energy to do that right now," Altair replied, his tone resigned. 
Mikayla felt a surge of irritation at his response. Inside, she was seething. She couldn't understand how someone could just give up like that. 
"I don't know what happened to you, but what's your plan?" Mikayla asked, her tone filled with a mix of curiosity and frustration. 
Altair simply shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "I don't know. Wallow in self-pity, regret, self-hate, and anything else that comes to mind?" he responded, pouring a bit of milk into his coffee. 
"So, basically nothing?" Mikayla asked, her tone incredulous. 
"Basically nothing," Altair confirmed, his tone flat. 
"Wow..." Mikayla muttered, her mind reeling from his response. She couldn't understand how someone could just give up on life like that. 
"Sorry, by the way, I think you're eating my food," Altair said suddenly, his tone light. 
Mikayla looked down at the plate in front of her, her eyes widening in surprise. She hadn't even realized she had been eating someone else's food. "I-I'm sorry!" she stammered, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. 
Altair just laughed gently. "It's okay, don't worry about it. I'll just stick to my coffee. Don't mind me," he said, standing up from the table. 
As he started to walk towards the stairs, Mikayla couldn't help but feel a surge of anger. "What a wimp!" she muttered under her breath, her fork stabbing into her food with more force than necessary. 
Altair paused at the bottom of the stairs, turning back to look at Mikayla. "I heard that," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "And you're right. I am a wimp. But sometimes, it takes more courage to admit that you're weak than to pretend you're strong." 
With that, he turned and walked up the stairs, leaving Mikayla alone in the lounge, her mind spinning with his words. 
The evening had settled in, casting a warm, golden glow over the lounge of the house. Mikayla, still fuming from her earlier encounter with Altair, was the first to break the silence. "I met that guy, Altair," she began, her tone laced with irritation. "What's his problem? Does anyone know?" 
Theresa, who was still in her bank uniform, her hair flowing freely over her shoulders, looked up from her book. "Who, Altair?" she asked, her eyebrows raised in surprise. 
"Yes, Altair. What's his deal?" Mikayla pressed, her arms crossed over her chest. 
Allaine and Priscilla, both in their sleeping attire, raised their hands in unison. "We don't," they chorused, their expressions mirroring their confusion. 
"I think his girlfriend left him," Theresa offered, her voice soft. 
Mikayla scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Is that a valid reason to act like he's doing? He's practically destroying himself." 
Priscilla, her eyes twinkling with amusement, chimed in. "For someone who's angry, you sound pretty concerned about him." 
Allaine nodded in agreement. "Hold on, Mikay. What he's feeling right now might be valid. Maybe he's been with that someone for a long time." 
"But that's a lame way to cope!" Mikayla retorted; her frustration evident. 
"And how would you recommend he cope?" Priscilla asked, her tone challenging. 
Mikayla didn't miss a beat. "Man up! Move on quickly, hit the gym! Do something useful for society!" 
Cassy, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, finally spoke up. She was wearing a white blouse and a grey mini skirt, her hair flowing freely, and a pair of round glasses perched on her nose. "But isn't that toxic masculinity itself?" she asked, her voice steady. "We're forcing men to suppress their emotions and discouraging them from seeking help because that's how previous generations taught us. But isn't that the wrong way to treat them? We cry for gender equality, yet we treat them as if they're robots who aren't allowed to have emotions." 
Theresa and Mikayla were taken aback by Cassy's response. Normally, Cassy would avoid giving her opinion or simply agree with them, but this time, she had challenged Mikayla's social construct. 
"Holy shit! What was that?" Allaine exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise. 
"Shots fired! Shots fired!" Priscilla echoed, referring to Cassy's response. 
Mikayla's expression shifted to a flirtatious grin, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She brushed her hair back from her face, tucking it behind her ears. "Oh, are you defending him, Little Cassy?" she asked, her tone teasing. 
Cassy shook her head, her expression serious. "No, but I am advocating for fairness in treatment. Men are human, just like you and me. They experience pain and emotions too. If we continue to treat them this way, we deny them the opportunity to process their emotions in a healthy way. This could lead to unresolved emotional baggage and mental health issues," she explained. 
Mikayla scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "But isn't that how men should be? Tough? That's why we call them the pillars of the house. They wouldn't be called pillars if they crumbled at the first sign of trouble," she retorted. 
The other girls nodded, their expressions thoughtful as they listened to the exchange. 
Cassy, however, was not deterred. "But that idea is outdated. A relationship is a two-way street; it's a team effort. If a man crumbles, shouldn't the woman step up until he recovers? Isn't that what couples do?" she asked, her voice steady. "We hate when people treat women indifferently. In the past, only men could work while women stayed at home, cooked, and cleaned. But look at us now! We have women leaders, women in positions of power. We can vote equally like men. We even coined the term 'Strong Independent Women,' directly challenging the previous social construct. We're telling them that we can do what men can do. So, how can we cry about gender equality when men can't even ask for help and process their emotions just like we women do?" 
The room fell silent as Cassy finished speaking. The girls looked at each other, their expressions thoughtful. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the room, highlighting the determination in Cassy's eyes. 
Priscilla broke the silence, her voice filled with admiration. "Fuck it! I'm voting for Cassy if she ever runs for president of this country," she declared, causing Theresa and Allaine to chuckle. 
Mikayla turned to Priscilla, her eyes pleading. "Help me, Pris!" she begged. 
Priscilla shrugged, a grin on her face. "I have no say in this, Kayla. She got you pretty bad. But you have a point too. There's a saying that 'A man is only as strong as the support that sustains him.'" 
Mikayla looked at the girls, her expression a mix of disbelief and amusement. "What happened to our little girls? I haven't talked to you in days and now you're philosophers and advocates? What happened to you!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with mock despair as she pulled Cassy into a hug. 
The following day, as the evening shadows stretched across the house, Altair found himself alone in the lounge. He had assumed everyone else was asleep, and had taken the opportunity to search for a missing item. "How on earth did I lose it?" he muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the room. He checked under the couch, between the cushions, and even behind the TV, all to no avail. "I gotta go fast," he mumbled, referencing the famous line from Sonic the Hedgehog. 
Just as he was about to give up, the sound of a soft voice broke the silence. "Uhm, are you looking for this?" a woman asked. Altair quickly turned his gaze towards the voice, careful not to look upwards as he noticed the woman was wearing a dress. 
"Good evening, mysterious lady," he greeted, trying to catch his breath. "I don't mean to bother you, but may I know who you are?" 
The woman chuckled lightly and took a seat on one of the couches. "I see you avoided looking up. I appreciate your consideration, but I assure you, I'm wearing shorts underneath," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "So, the rumors are true? You really are a gentleman." 
Altair, still catching his breath, managed a small smile. "I try my best," he replied, finally standing up. The woman extended her hand towards him, and he took it in a firm, respectful handshake. 
"Allaine Milana, 25 years old. I own a small construction firm," she introduced herself. Altair was impressed by her firm grip and confident demeanor. It was clear that Allaine was a woman who knew her worth and wasn't afraid to assert herself. 
"A firm and respectful handshake, I like it!" Allaine commented, her eyes sparkling with approval. They both returned to their seats, a newfound understanding and respect forming between them. 
"I believe this is yours?" Allaine asked, holding up a locket. It was a delicate piece, with an engraving on the back that read "One great love." 
Altair's eyes widened as he recognized the item. "Yes, that's mine. I've been looking for it everywhere. Where did you find it?" he inquired, his voice filled with relief. 
"I found it near the coffee machine," Allaine replied, handing the locket back to Altair. 
He opened it, revealing a picture of him and Stella, posed in a classic embrace that was reminiscent of a bygone era. The image seemed to transport him back to a time when everything was simpler, and love was all that mattered. 
"Thank you very much," Altair said, his smile tinged with a hint of sadness. 
Allaine watched him for a moment, her eyes filled with empathy. "Is it fine if we talk for a while?" she asked gently. "You can decline if you want." 
Altair looked up, his curiosity piqued. "Sure, but first, what do we talk about? And why?" he asked, his tone direct but not unkind. 
Allaine took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. "Yesterday, Cassy and Mikayla had a heated discussion about you. Well, not exactly about you, but rather about the way you've been handling things lately. Usually, Cassy would just agree with Mikayla or stay silent, but yesterday was different. It was as if the wind had suddenly changed direction, and she challenged Mikayla's ideas head-on." 
Altair's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He hadn't expected his situation to become a topic of debate among the housemates. But more than that, he was intrigued by Cassy's unexpected defense of him. 
"What did they argue about exactly?" he asked, leaning forward in his seat, his interest clearly piqued. 
Allaine went on to explain the differing viewpoints that had been expressed, with Mikayla advocating for a more traditional, stoic approach to coping with loss, and Cassy arguing for a more compassionate and understanding perspective. 
As she spoke, Altair found himself drawn into the conversation, appreciating Allaine's thoughtful insights and the way she articulated the complex emotions at play. It was clear that she was not just a successful business woman but also a keen observer of human nature. 
Allaine went on to explain the differing viewpoints that had been expressed, with Mikayla advocating for a more traditional, stoic approach to coping with loss, and Cassy arguing for a more compassionate and understanding perspective. 
As she spoke, Altair found himself drawn into the conversation, appreciating Allaine's thoughtful insights and the way she articulated the complex emotions at play. It was clear that she was not just a successful business woman but also a keen observer of human nature. 
Altair covered his face in embarrassment and exhaled. "I just want to understand what you're going through. I want to know who you are and what your plans are. Consider this a meet-and-greet session we never had in the first place," Allaine said, her voice gentle but firm. 
"If you position it that way, why not?" Altair said, his curiosity piqued. 
"Fire away," he offered, leaning back in his seat. 
"Okay, thank you for keeping an open mind. I commend you for not shying away from me. You don't have to hold back; you can be as emotional as you want. Say anything that you want. Think of it as a safe space, okay?" Allaine offered, her eyes filled with genuine concern. 
"Why do I feel like I'm talking to a therapist?" Altair muttered, a hint of amusement in his voice. 
"What was that?!" Allaine said, her tone suddenly sharp, a threat lurking beneath her words. 
"N-Nothing!" Altair responded, his eyes widening. 
"So tell me something about yourself. What led you here?" Allaine asked, her voice softening again. 
"I'm Altair Mirales. You can call me Alty if you want. People pronounce my name incorrectly most of the time. They say it Al-Teyr, while the true pronunciation is Al-ta-ir," Altair paused, a wry smile on his face. "I'm not of Arab descent," he continued. 
"I'm a former financial consultant. My ex, whom I shared my dreams with, admitted her infidelity right after my marriage proposal," Altair explained, his voice dropping. 
Allaine's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her interest clearly piqued. "Can you tell me more about your past relationship? What was it like for you?" she asked, her legs crossed, her eyes attentive. 
"It was out of the norm. We never had a major fight; we always reached a compromise. It was warm, a homey relationship," Altair replied, his voice filled with nostalgia. 
"That sounds beautiful," Allaine acknowledged, her voice filled with empathy. "It must have been a shock when things ended." 
"You could say that," Altair said, his voice tinged with sadness. 
"What was the most challenging part of your relationship, and how did you handle it?" Allaine asked, her tone probing. 
"Challenge? There was barely any challenge to conquer. We were both financially well off, and we both had time for each other," Altair responded, his voice thoughtful. 
"Interesting," Allaine mused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "Do you think that maybe that's the reason for her infidelity? Was she looking for a more exciting or challenging relationship?" 
"Maybe?" Altair paused, his eyes distant. "She did tell me I'm boring," he continued nonchalantly, a hint of bitterness in his voice. 
"How did you feel about it?" Allaine asked, her voice gentle, encouraging him to open up. 
"It was painful at first," Altair began, his voice cracking slightly. "A pain you can't even describe, emotions you never thought existed. Emotions you want to drown and will do anything to drown them all, including the memories causing it." His eyes were distant, lost in the painful recollection. 
Allaine's face softened, and she reached out to touch his arm reassuringly. "I can see that it's still very raw for you," she said, her voice filled with empathy. 
"And how do you feel now?" she asked, her eyes searching his face for any sign of emotion. 
"None," Altair responded, his voice flat, devoid of any emotion. "I feel nothing. I can barely feel any emotion at this point. No dreams, no hopes, no pain, no happiness either." His eyes were empty, his face a mask. 
Allaine's eyes widened, and she leaned back, taking in his words. "Devoid of all emotions, you should be in pain, right? You should be crying because she stole everything from you?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. 
Altair simply shook his head, his face expressionless. "I should be, but I'm not. It's like I've shut down completely. I don't know how to feel anymore." 
Allaine's face was filled with compassion as she looked at him. "It's not uncommon to feel numb after a traumatic event. It's a way for the mind to protect itself. But it's not a permanent state. With time, support, and perhaps professional help, you can start to heal and feel again." 
Altair looked at her, his eyes finally showing a flicker of emotion. "Do you really think so?" 
"I do," Allaine said firmly, her eyes locked on his. "But it will take effort and a willingness to face the pain. You don't have to do it alone." 
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation settling around them. Altair's face was thoughtful, his eyes no longer empty but filled with a spark of hope. 
"Thank you, Allaine," he said finally, his voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I didn't realize how much I needed to talk about this." 
"You're welcome, Altair," Allaine replied, her voice warm. "I'm here if you need me." 
Altair looked at her, a thoughtful expression on his face. "What do I need to do, Allaine? How do I even begin to heal?" 
Allaine leaned back, considering his question. "There's a lot of things you can do, Altair. For starters, talking to someone like this is a nice addition to your routine. Going out of your room, engaging with others, finding activities that you enjoy. But most importantly, you need to allow yourself to process your emotions. Healing isn't something that happens overnight, and it's not something you can run away from." 
Altair's eyes widened, and he looked at her intently. "But how do I do that? How do I process emotions when I feel so numb?" 
Allaine reached out and took his hand, her touch gentle. "It's a journey, Altair. And it's one that you don't have to take alone. But it's also something that has to be nurtured from within. I can't force you to heal, and neither can anyone else. You have to want it, and you have to be willing to face the pain and the uncertainty that comes with it." 
Altair looked down, his face filled with uncertainty. "I don't know if I can do that, Allaine. It's so overwhelming." 
Allaine squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I know it feels that way now, but you don't have to do it all at once. Take small steps. Talk to someone, whether it's me or a professional therapist. Find activities that make you feel alive again. Surround yourself with people who support and understand you. And most importantly, give yourself time and permission to heal." 
Altair looked up at her, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Allaine. I don't know what I would have done without you tonight." 
Allaine smiled, her eyes filled with compassion. "You're never alone, Altair. Remember that. And take all the time you need. Healing is a process, not a destination." 
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their conversation settling around them. Altair's face was thoughtful, his eyes no longer empty but filled with a spark of hope. 
"I'll try, Allaine," he said finally, his voice filled with determination. "I'll try to heal." 
Allaine's smile widened, and she reached out to hug him. "That's all anyone can ask of you, Altair. Just try. And know that I'm here for you, every step of the way." 
As the night wore on, Altair and Allaine continued to talk, their conversation drifting from the heavy topics of healing and emotions to lighter subjects like hobbies, interests, and dreams. They discovered shared passions and unique differences, building a connection that went beyond the initial purpose of their meeting. 
Allaine's insights and compassionate approach had opened a door for Altair, allowing him to see a path forward that he hadn't considered before. Her words resonated with him, not just as advice from a stranger but as wisdom from a friend. He felt a renewed sense of purpose, a spark of hope that had been missing for so long. 
For Allaine, the conversation was equally transformative. She had approached Altair with the intention of helping him, but she found herself inspired by his resilience and determination. His willingness to open up and share his pain was a testament to his strength, and she felt a deep respect for him. 
As the hours passed, they both realized that it was time to say goodnight. They stood, exchanging smiles and promises to talk again soon. 
"Thank you, Allaine," Altair said, his voice sincere. "You've given me something to think about, something to strive for. I don't know how to repay you." 
Allaine shook her head, her smile gentle. "You don't have to repay me, Altair. Just take care of yourself and know that I'm here if you need me." 
With those parting words, they went their separate ways, each reflecting on the unexpected connection they had forged. Altair returned to his room, his mind buzzing with thoughts and possibilities. He felt a renewed sense of energy, a determination to take control of his life and move forward. 
Allaine, too, felt a sense of fulfillment as she headed to her room. She had reached out to Altair with the intention of helping him, but she had gained a friend in the process. She knew that their conversation was just the beginning, and she looked forward to seeing where their newfound friendship would lead. 
As they settled into their respective rooms, both Altair and Allaine felt a sense of peace and contentment. The night had brought them together in an unexpected way, and they had found comfort and understanding in each other's company. 
The house settled into silence, the events of the evening weaving a new thread into the tapestry of their lives. In the quiet darkness, hope and healing had found a place to grow, nurtured by empathy, compassion, and the power of human connection. 
Chapter 6 had drawn to a close, but the story was far from over. The journey had only just begun, and the path ahead was filled with promise and potential. The future was uncertain, but it was a future that they would face together, each step guided by the lessons they had learned and the bonds they had forged.