Dale Daniel's POV
After I'm done doing modifications for Inkwell's website, I chose to stay a little bit more on the internet, browsing here and there. Reading articles and news from other websites. 
Trending searches: Drizzles of Yellow
Before I could think of it, I was already at the webpage of "Drizzles of Yellow". The web has a simple yet aesthetic layout. The title page is truly attractive. No wonder why it is one of the trending searches. The latest update on that blog has the title "Shade of Smiles" and "February's Love".
I began reading its content. While I am on it, I've had goosebumps. I couldn't take my eyes off the monitor. I was glancing at that screen where I could see a cheerful kid, playing around. 
"Have you experienced losing the reason for your smile? If you'll ask me, I won't lie. Yes, I did. The reason for my smile was once gone. I thought that was the end but it was not and never will be. I rose again and looked for the things that would keep my heart alive. And I am glad that I found it. This is what I am doing right now, my happiness. I was once becoming a fading star, losing its glow but now I felt like I am one of those shining stars in the vast night sky. The shade of my smile is what comes from inside, the reflection of my heart; the genuine smile. How about you? What lies behind the shade of your smile?"
Why did it feel like the author made this question exactly for me? Seemed like a rock was thrown at me but I wasn't given a chance to dodge. Am I out of my mind or what?
If she is asking about me, I also went through that. I lose my smile too. And until now, a year after, I still haven't heard any news from her, oh, I mean, I still haven't found the reason for my smile yet.
I kept going and proceeded to the next article: "February's Love."
"Holding each other's hand while growing old. You have a friend and a lover by your side as you welcome the new sunrise and wave goodbyes to every sunset. How great would that be?"
I hastily shut down my laptop when I felt a pain awakening inside my chest. I couldn't read it anymore. This just made me remember the past even more. That's all I can do because I only have those memories left. I could only think of the past because it isn't part of my present anymore. I have this dangerous yearning that could devour me anytime if I could see a single fragment that could make me think of the past. 
"Everyone is gathered," Trish declared openly. "We will start in a minute."
"The Inkwell is not doing good lately," my grandma began, gazing at me. "Some of the journalists did not renew their contracts. We are having a problem looking for more journalists. They are rare."
"I have a suggestion!" Trish raised his hand.
"Yeah?"
"Miss Petit Auteur," he suggested. "She's the one who launched the website Drizzles of Yellow."
"Petit Auteur?" some of the men in suits wonder. "That means little author, doesn't it?"
"Yeah. The author concealed her identity through this pseudonym."
"I agree with Trish," my grandma said. "Her website is a success and a lot of people love her content from all over the world. If we can convince her to join our team, that's great."
"Aren't we taking advantage of her?" I interrupted.
"If not for benefits, how do you expect the business world to still exist until today?" My grandma asked authoritatively.
Since we are at the meeting, I chose to be silent and just listened to their discussion. They are the heads, I couldn't change their minds.
"Do you have any information about that writer?"
"We searched all over the internet but we found nothing about her. She has tight security."
"Aside from her website, there's no more about her on cyberspace."
"Then how can we get in touch with her?"
"Try to analyze her page. You can notice that she stayed in the same country every two months."
Her webpage appeared on the big screen before us.
"Look, September and October, she's in Thailand. November and December, she's in South Korea. Focused on her latest updates, she's in France for January and February."
"Then? That means that she's taking off to another country next week?" I inquired.
"Most likely. 
"We need to find her before this month's ends."
"But how? It's already the 20th today!" I said, eyes on my grandmother.
"Yeah. If ever we couldn't reach her this month, we need to wait for her very first update on the 3rd day of the month."
"Based on her comments and replies, she's not going far from where is she now. She just mentioned the neighboring countries. It's either in Spain, Italy or Germany."
"Dale?" Grandma called me. "You'll go with Trish and look for her."
"But I don't have a single info about that writer."
"Just go there first," she said firmly. "Process your flight now."
"Right now?"
"Did you also break your ears?"
The people around us forced themselves not to let out a smile. I caught Trish biting his lips while facing down. 
"We are about to cross the North Atlantic Ocean. A journey of approximately 7 hours on air, about 5,840 kilometers."
I glanced at him at the back while we were going in at the airport. "What are you saying?"
"Nothing, sir. Maybe I got excited to see the famous global tower for the first time," he said while pulling his suitcase. 
"Are you going to look for Petit Auteur or the Eiffel Tower?"
He let out a nervous smile. "Why not do both, sir, since we are there?"
I just ignored him and went on my walk.
"Sir, I can't wait to see that writer," he began out of nowhere.
"What?"
"You know, she's full of mystery. She has the abilities. Regardless of being nameless, a lot of people admired her written works."
"Oh."
I abruptly thought of Zyah. If she did not give up on her writing career, maybe she is recognized now for being one of the promising journalists in the industry. I was already in New York City when I got the news that she resigned from Dreammy Pen. She also begged to delete all of her works at Inkwell. After that, I don't have any news about her. I was too naive back then, I cut all my communication from her. I looked for her name from the other sites or networks but I found nothing. No more Ms. Journalist Zyah. She doesn't have any updates on her Instagram account but sometimes I see her comments on Ellaine, Johnny, Ryle and Dwight's posts. 
I couldn't help but blame myself during the early days. I blamed myself for dragging her down. I always thought that I was the reason why she resigned from Dreammy Pen. I really don't want her to do that. But I would be selfish if I didn't allow her to go. Besides, I was blinded by my hatred during those times, I even did things I didn't dare to do before. I couldn't blame no one but just myself. 
During those months I spent at HQ, I was troubled, that's why I gave all my focus to the work. My grandmother knew my situation, rather than criticizing me she showed me love and taught me to forgive. 
FLASHBACK
"Dale, did you ever love her?" she asked directly into my eyes.
"I'm not in the mood to talk about her," I grumbled.
"You kid! Look at me!" She raised her tone.
"La, I am not a kid!" I argued.
"Then listen to me," she began again. "Did you ever love her?"
"Maybe I wanted to be loved, that's why I am with her," I replied, sounding bored.
"Spill the tea, you kid!"
"Oh. I did!" 
"See, what a bad liar!" My grandma laughed.
"Did you regret being with her?" she asked again.
I am just looking down with an aching heart. 
"La.... " I mumbled. I wanted to beg not to talk about this matter anymore.  
"Don't say a word anymore! Look at yourself, you are like a 5 years old kid that lost a bunch of lollipops!"
"La! You-"
"Dale," she halted me. "Learn to accept the fact, huh? We both know that your father is happy wherever he is right now. If he was here, he would also tell you the same thing. Don't let your hatred hinder you to pursue your happiness, the woman you love."
"La. . . ."
"Zyah has nothing to do with my son's accident, Dale. That was an accident. His dad doesn't want that to happen. I know that her father has been living his life in guilt, that is too much to bear, Dale."
"Lola. Why-"
"Teach yourself every day. You know, you need to let that off. If you don't know how to forgive, then how can you learn to love again? Surrender that to our Almighty One. That's the very first thing you must do."
END OF FLASHBACK
"Sir!" I received a strong punch on my elbow from Trish. "It's time for our flight!" he added.
"Ah? Let's go."
See you soon, Paris, France. 
After a lengthy journey, we now finally have a glimpse of the enormous Eiffel Tower. Indeed, the tower looked perfect while you were on this esplanade.
"Done?" I asked my companion. Trish is one of my trusted employees at Dreammy Pen. He is also a friend to me. Our house is just next to each other in Manhattan. When I first visited NYC, he was my very first friend there.
Trish insisted on going here when we reached the country. He first claimed that he is still going alone if ever I won't go there. I agreed to go with him since we still don't have a lead where to find Ms. Little Writer. 
After sight-seeing, we both go back to the place where we are staying.
"Oh no!" 
"What now?"
"We don't have food. I didn't bring anything."
"Me too," I simply replied.
"There! A mart! Let's buy some there!"
Clarriese Zyah's POV
Another set of days has gone by, I am still busy planning my future plans. While doing my work, I felt hungry. 
I went to my fridge but what welcomed me was an empty fridge. I already ate them all? I only bought them the other day. 
I ran to my room and rummaged to my closet to find a jacket. After I found one, I wore it and looked for my wallet. There is a mart near my place. I'll just buy some there.
I didn't forget to bring my camera with me. If I am lucky enough, maybe while I am on my way to the store I could see some scenarios and inspire me to write something. I must not miss such an opportunity. 
I've been capturing random photos every day, and it become a habit of mine. I bought this camera for myself as my reward when my blog received its first-ever 5-star rating. That happened in the 3rd month after I launched my website. I remembered that I only had 3 readers back then. I really appreciate and treasure them because without them I am not here, pursuing my dream. Without them, maybe I already gave up a long time ago. 
I didn't start effortlessly like what everyone thought of me. I also went through the darkest hours of my career. During those months where a lot of obnoxious comments were thrown on me, I was really on the verge of giving up. I bear those harsh words alone. No one was by my side to comfort me. I could only hug my pillow as I cried my heart out. I even have the thought of taking down that webpage. I almost couldn't take it. And the fact that, during that time my heart is still hurting for what happened between me and Dale. The truth about my dad was chasing wherever I went. I felt very useless back then. I questioned my worth. I even doubt my writing. I only have the 0.001 probability of going on with what I started. But when I saw a new sunrise at the horizon, I thought that 0.001 is still a possibility. I still have the reason to go on. I am glad that it worked on me. Eventually, I saw another beginning when someone left a comment on my article saying that she will wait for my next update. That time, that was already enough for me to renew my courage and keep going with my passion. 
When I reached the mini-mart, I looked for the foods I wanted to buy. I really love their chocolates here. Every time I am here, I really purchase one. My shopping won't be complete without it.
I celebrated when there was still a box left. I was about to get it when someone hands landed first on that box of chocolate.
"Excuse me? I saw it first," I started, hoping that the man would understand me.
"But I got it first," he replied. His accent sounds different to me. 
"Yeah. But can you lend it to me?" I begged. "That's the reason why I came here," I added. 
His face softened, it seemed like he was moved by my reason.
"Oh. Then, here you go." He passed me the box of chocolate.
"Thank you, Mr. . . " I paused when I didn't know what to address him.
"Trish Scott," he said, stating his name.
"Thank you, Mr. Scott," I announced. 
"You are welcome, lady," he replied and winked at me. "I gotta go. Someone's waiting for me outside." 
"Thanks for this." I raised my hand holding that box of chocolate. 
"Don't mention it. Just a box of chocolate."