The sole ray of October sunlight filtered in from the tall windows. Its morose light struck the dusty floorboards, and reflected off the white sheets that covered nearly everything.

He stepped gingerly into the room, making his way towards a china cabinet at the other end. His feet stirred up little gray motes, rising in the still air and settling above his well-polished shoes. When he reached the cabinet, he stopped to wipe off the dust from the display window. The whole piece was uncovered, and he can make out the delicate lines from the plates, saucers, and cups inside.

He pulled on the cabinet door, swinging it open with a shrill creak. His hand slid into one of the cups, and took out a small locket. It had been lying in there, perfectly preserved, for the past ten years.

He felt the cold ivory of the locket face, running his fingers around the fine metalwork that surrounded it. He fingered a button, and the locket popped open. Inside was the photograph of a woman.

She was dressed in a burgundy dress, her short hair barely meeting the exposed skin on her shoulders. She wore a bright smile, and his heart warmed up to see it after so long. In fact, it's been far too long...

He could almost hear her husky voice whisper in his ear, as he closed the locket again. "Breathe. Breathe, and let it go. Tell me you can let it go..."

He took a deep breath and held it for a few seconds.

"I'm sorry, my love. I'm not about to let it go."

He pocketed the locket, and his fingers brushed a cold slab of metal. He grasped it, feeling the trusty weight of the Gloc 21.

"No. I can't let it go."