October 21
Ryan
I'm back in that makeshift hospital tent, the hot Afghan wind offering no relief from the burning in my skin. I've got a raging fever and my head is killing me. The burns on my arm, torso, and face feel like they are ablaze. I hear a voice speaking to me.
"Please wake up, Ryan."
For a brief moment, I think the voice belongs to Saph. But that can't be right. I don't want Saph to be here with me. I'm not in love with her anymore. I'm in love with someone else. I love her more than I ever loved Saph.
"Please wake up."
Ana. I love Ana. I want Ana. How could I ever have confused her with Saph? Somehow, Ana is here with me in Afghanistan, here to comfort me during one of the darkest moments in my life. I open my eyes to see her sitting by my bedside. All around her is the chaos of that tiny hospital tent. The sounds of the battle outside echo distantly, but when I look at her, I feel the world stop and rest for a moment.
I feel the bandages drop from my face, exposing the horrors beneath. I expect her to recoil in horror, but she doesn't. Her eyes never leave mine as her hand comes to touch the healthy side of my face. She smiles at me softly. Does she love me? Does she know how much I love her?
"You have to wake up. I don't know how to heal you."
Ana is still smiling at me, but her voice is scared. Something is wrong. I stare at her, confused. As I watch her, the vision of her and the hospital tent fade away and everything goes dim. Am I dreaming?
"You have to be OK," Ana's voice says. "I can't lose you too. And you haven't kissed me yet."
YOU ARE READING
Requiem for a Soldier (Requiem #1)
RomanceA disfigured veteran hiding from the world and the young woman who found him. 2019 Watty Award Winner - Romance After suffering extensive injuries in Afghanistan from an IED that killed his best friend, Ryan decided he was better off dead. He intend...
