Multiple fractures, contusions, internal bleeding; hell I was lucky enough to make it to the field hospital. I was even luckier to make it to surgery. I spent most of my time under the knife or in a state of drugged limbo. I can’t quite recall the conversation I had with Captain Gordon, but I vaguely remember placing the letter in his hand and making a vague suggestion to send it to Twi. I was told that the doctors had to keep reassuring me that Sam made it out all right, because I demanded to know his condition. That was a difficult time. There were many times where I didn’t know if I was going to make it or not. It was by a miracle that I’m alive. I even spent most the flight back to the state drugged up. Shortest flight I’ve ever had by far.
Spent the whole day trying to navigate the city with a cane, harder than you think. I didn’t want to call a cab, I needed to walk and help my leg heal. Probably should’ve taken a cab. Walking across intersections is a lot slower going. Everyone is trying to help. Especially with a broken left arm. Yet, all I could think about was getting to her. I called multiple times, my apartment, yet no answer. I called her cell phone, which also resulted in no answer. Worried was an understatement at that point. So, after all that, I finally arrive back that the apartment, late and tired. I notice the opened envelope near the door, a sigh, it’s anyone’s guess about how she reacted, but I can only guess it wasn’t good. Regretfully, I wish I didn’t send the letters.
I didn’t know if or when Twi would return. So I wrote a note on the mail, seeing as she did pick up the mail, might as well. Pouring myself a shot, I walked into the bedroom. Lowering myself onto the edge of the bed, somehow I just couldn’t believe I made it back and that everyone else did too. Somehow, I made it. And now it’s over, over for me at least. I chuckle, slamming the shot down. It burns on its way down, making me cringe a bit. Ugh, I haven’t had a good drink in ages. I rub my face with my good hand. I’m just glad to be home, but it won’t be home till I have Twi in my arms, well, arm.
I don’t know how long it was till heard the door unlock and open. Here we go, I thought as I grabbed my cane. Limping into the living room, I saw her, reading the note. Focused completely on the note. She was shaking a bit. And then I was there, standing in front of her.
“Hey the-,” was all I got out before I felt her palm strike my face. I was stunned, and in wonder of what I did wrong.
“You…you,” she was starting to hyperventilate. “You… you…” I recovered a bit, then looked at her, but by then she was already wrapped tight around me.
“Ow, ow, ow. Twi, my arm, my arm!”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she stepped back; putting her hand my arm. She choked on a tear. “I’m just extremely joyful to see you back, alive.”
“There has been a few times where I didn’t think that was possible. I’m lucky I made it out of the sandbox.”
She shuttered a bit, talking in between sobs. “I know. I saw how you looked on the news. I didn’t want to believe it. I woke up every day, with a hope that you would walk through that door as if nothing even happened.” Looking up at me, “but you’re here now.”
“Yes, that I am. Here, for good. I’ll probably be discharged, either medically and/or honorably. From there, the sky is the limit.”
She placed her hand on my cheek, gently rubbing it. Leaning towards me, she placed a soft kiss on my lips. “You’re lucky I have a weakness to a man in uniform.”
I chuckle a bit. “I guess I’m just lucky to have found you first then. Because I don’t know where I would be without you. Probably not here, that’s for sure.” I looked her in the eyes and smiled. “Love is a powerful drive to stay alive. That was my only drive, to be here again, with you, in your arms again.”
Twi smiled in happiness, her eyes welling up with more tears, “You didn’t have to say that,” She reached into her pocket and pulled out some paper. And then I noticed, the letter I wrote, my supposed last letter. “Twilight, I love you.” She read, and then looked at me. “And you need to know something as well. I love you too.” She put the letter down and gently hugged me. And that’s how we stood for a while, till she kissed me on the cheek. “So, what happens now?”
“Right now is the beginning of forever. Forever with you. How does that sound?”
She smiled, her tears long gone. She kissed me, full on lips. “I think I wouldn’t have it any other way.”