l| a time to be silent and a time to speak |l

{Poker Face}

In the beginning, it was complete. There were 54 of them, each one belonging to someone. 

By and by, they got shuffled around and switched places. Some were lucky to return to where they started, but others were dealt with a worse-off hand -- they looked like they belonged, but it was never quite the same. Sure, there were happy days; but deep down, they all missed the first time when they met and everything was perfect. 

On the sidelines was always Joker, part of the model pair but without his matchless half. Fate had a different plan; they were both picked out and each was sent to the furthest end. 

His very name became wrought with cruel irony, and he began loathing the mask that he wore - the very thing that could bring them back together again. 

And so it went, day after day he watched the stories play out before him - from union of Jacks & Tens to separation of Kings & Queens. Time passed, things changed; some left, some stayed. 

He met Aces, who were lonely like him. But somehow, he knew it just wouldn't feel the same and dreaded the final show-hand that wrecked those before. This saddened him. 

One day, he finally passed her by. He recognised her laughter and pursued the trail she left. 

He found her. 
At last! 
She wasn't alone. 

He left, wearing the same countenance and never took it off ever since.