Arthur had always dreamed of visiting the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, but financial constraints had kept him away. Finally, in 1854, with a shilling in hand, he joined the masses heading toward the Crystal Palace at Sydenham Hill. The grand exhibition, which had already seen millions of visitors since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1851, promised to showcase the achievements of global industries. Arthur, feeling a wave of excitement mixed with nervousness, mentally multiplied numbers to calm his racing heart as he navigated through the bustling crowd, attempting to focus on the experience ahead. The sheer magnitude of the event was overwhelming, yet it stirred something deep within him, pushing him to embrace the journey ahead, despite the anxiety building up inside.

Inside the Crystal Palace, Arthur was struck by the exhibition’s immensity and the dazzling displays that filled the space. He marveled at the intricate craftsmanship and diverse artifacts from all over the world. Exhibits from countries like India and the United States left him awe-struck, each item telling a unique story of culture and progress. As he moved through the galleries, Arthur felt a deep longing to not just witness these wonders but to explore the distant lands from where they had come. The experience ignited a desire within him to see these civilizations firsthand, to understand their histories beyond the artifacts. His heart was filled with wonder as he realized that reading about these places could never compare to the experience of being there.

Arthur’s fascination deepened as he encountered objects and sculptures that evoked both admiration and controversy. He marveled at the intricate craftsmanship of the items on display, particularly admiring The Greek Slave, a statue that sparked contrasting views among the public, from admiration to strong abolitionist critiques. But it was the lamassus from Nineveh that truly captivated him, the ancient statues seemingly whispering tales from a forgotten world. These ancient relics stirred a deep sense of curiosity in Arthur, making him ponder the stories they could tell if they could only speak. The more he explored, the more he felt connected to these artifacts, and the more he yearned to uncover the hidden history behind them.

Later, back in the office, Arthur shared his experience at the exhibition with Mr. Bradbury, recounting his awe and desire to explore ancient civilizations further. Mr. Bradbury, noticing Arthur’s enthusiasm and potential, encouraged him to visit the British Museum to see the famous tablets from Nineveh. Though Arthur lacked the funds for such a trip, Mr. Bradbury, recognizing his passion, kindly offered him a treat to support his curiosity. Arthur, filled with a sense of hope and possibility, left the office with a renewed sense of purpose. For the first time, he felt as if a door to a new world had been opened to him, one filled with knowledge, exploration, and the promise of a brighter future.

However, the next day, a tragedy struck that would forever change Arthur’s life. Upon arriving at the office, he discovered Mr. Bradbury’s lifeless body, a victim of suicide. The loss left Arthur devastated, grappling with confusion and sadness over the inexplicable nature of despair, particularly in someone who seemed to have everything. The realization that Mr. Bradbury, despite his position and apparent success, could have been overwhelmed by such despair was a profound moment for Arthur. This experience forced him to confront the complexity of human emotions and the hidden struggles that even the most outwardly successful people could face. As life went on, Arthur dutifully attended to his responsibilities, but a deep sense of loss and isolation lingered, making him retreat further into his own thoughts as he tried to process the emotions that were now haunting him.