[Entry: May 18, 2020 — Night (8:31 PM) Wednesday

Struggling has been a part of our daily lives. We're all slaves for something; some were slaves for money, for power, for ambitions, for fame… for dreams.

A never-ending cycle of trying and failing. Sometimes, after pouring our heart and soul, we succeed.

But even after that, we still try to keep the momentum.

What does success even mean?

They said rich people are successful. But why do they keep trying to earn more? Why do successful authors write more if they've proven themselves?

Why do superstars have to do their best in their films if the previous one was a hit? Why do politicians have to keep maintaining their image?

Are they truly successful? Or… are they still slaves for greater heights?

Perhaps it was greed that bound them on a tighter leash?

A leash that]

"Ugh…!" A woman let out a groan as she stopped typing on the keyboard.

She sighed, staring at the words she had typed.

"A leash…" she muttered under her breath. Her fingers curled, brushing the keys to continue.

However, she was stuck. She could no longer extract more words from her dry brain juices.

Her eyes felt heavy. She pinched the bridge of her nose, lifting her eye glasses, eyes closed.

"Sh*t…" Under her breath, she cursed. "Come on, brain. Think."

Yet, even after she ran her fingers through her black hair and tugged her scalp, there's nothing. She's stuck with that 'A leash that…'.

She glanced at the screen again and took a deep breath. Her eyes drooped as she exhaled through her mouth.

Devon had been writing since yesterday and hadn't slept a wink. However, until now, she couldn't finish anything.

Even writing her daily note for some inspiration was a struggle. She couldn't finish it, nor could she actually express her genuine emotions.

It's frustrating.

Devon had sat there, staring at the screen for the fleeting thirty minutes. How time flies too fast for her.

"His plane probably landed. I should start prepping before he comes." Devon murmured, letting out another sigh.

There was not a bit of excitement in her lifeless eyes. She massaged her nape, stretching her neck in a circular motion.

"Uh…" Out of habit, she released a low moan as she closed her eyes.

When the stiffness of her neck eased up, Devon assisted herself up. However, she felt a little dizzy upon doing so.

Again, she closed her eyes, taking deep breaths. Slowly, she opened her eyes and lightly shook her head.

"I should've eaten anything instead of just coffee." She whispered, smiling at her own joke.

Since she was used to feeling weak and sick, Devon trudged towards the bath. Being deprived of sleep made her sleep at peace with him.

Sleeping, sharing a bed with a stranger. What an odd side job. But that strange side job paid her bills and gave her the opportunity to pursue the career she was seeking to attain.

One step…

Two…

Three…

Four…

It only took her four footsteps when Devon's eyes blurred. Instinctively, she placed her palm on the wall to support herself.

But even when she closed her eyes, she felt her head spinning. Her breathing grew short as her lungs felt suffocated.

"Ah…" Devon let out a soft groan before fainting.

She collapsed to the floor, hitting her head on the bed frame.

The moon that glowed through the open window radiated on her. Bringing an odd glimmer on the blood cascading from her head.

****

In a private chamber of a castle…

"They had publicly executed His Highness, and the enemy had conquered the north. You must flee at once, Your Highness. The enemy would soon come to behead you."

A maidservant knelt down, her knuckles on the concrete floor. She glanced up to the woman standing, her back facing her.

The woman, Her Highness, stared at the radiating moon from the window. Despite the terrible news, the side of her lips tilted into a subtle smile.

"They beheaded him?" She asked softly.

"Yes, Your Highness." The maidservant answered through her gritted teeth.

"I see." The princess nodded. "By dawn, the enemies will reach the major cities and this castle. You must flee."

She advised, not taking her eyes away from the lonely yet stunning full moon. Her tone was strangely calm.

"But, Your Highness—!"

"There's no place to run. Even if I flee, I'd be living in hiding and fear. How is that living?" Before her attendant could argue, the princess smiled.

"He's dead, and I'm finally free. I'll leave the mourning to his other wives."

She added, placing her palm on the side of the window. The death of her husband… she could not mourn for him.

She could fake a smile, but she could never fake a tear. She's afraid she would laugh and kick his severed head if she sees it.

"Your Highness…"

"Leave me and flee from here. I want to stare at the moon for the last time." Under her breath, the princess ordered.

The maid servant's eyes softened. Her eyes glinted with sadness. Yet, she could not disobey her ladyship because the maidservant hadn't seen the princess at peace.

"Yes, Your Highness." The maidservant assisted herself up and turned.

As she trudged away, the maidservant stopped and looked back for the last time.

However, as soon as she did, the princess was already standing in the open window. Her beautiful, long golden curls flowed back, along with the soft blow of the wind.

"Your Highness!" The maidservant called out. But it was too late.

All the maidservant heard was the soft whisper, "I'm free." Before the princess jumped out of the window.

"Your Highness!" shouted by the maidservant, sprinting towards the window.

When she looked out of the window, the princess was lying. Blood slowly pooled around her, which made the maidservant gasp.

The moon that the princess adored for the last time strangely shone brightly. Bringing an odd glint on the blood cascading beneath her.