His life changes when, during a production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect…Now Change,” Charlie collapses on stage. With Martin by her side, she is immediately taken to the hospital, where they both find out that she has a rare form of cancer and has only four months to live. Over time, the cancer spreads throughout her entire body. On September 5, 2035, Charlie passes away peacefully.
Since her death, Martin has withdrawn from friends (with the exception of Chess) a life in general. He cancels all of his gigs and soon stops DJing altogether—though he still listens to music (dubstep especially). He has no interests in dating other women, always declining offers from women who are interested in him. He keeps to himself in the flat he once shared with his late fiancée, drinking heavily and watching her favorite programs. He even talks to a picture Charlie has taken of them while they are in the park.
At 32, Martin is still grieving. Chess tells him about Stewart’s Exotic Pet Shop and encourages him to purchase a pet. What he doesn’t know is that one of the pets has snuck into his bag.