Chapter 2

It was already late at night when I glanced at the time. I didn't question Kirk about why he hadn't come to the hospital to see me. Instead, I took the initiative to call the commander. Before I could speak, he began persuading me:

"Deava, this promotion opportunity is rare and specialized. Are you sure you want to give it up? Even if you want to get married and have children, you can wait a couple of years. In our army, you are definitely at the forefront of those who can pass the selection!"

"Have you forgotten the bold words you once spoke about defending our country?"

The commander's words were deafening. How could I forget the vows I made in the past? Shame overwhelmed me. When I discovered I was pregnant, I voluntarily gave up my promotion application, refusing to relent despite the commander's persuasion. At that time, marrying Kirk and having children was my top priority.

Unfortunately, when I saw Kirk unhesitatingly choose to save Keturah, I realized everything was wrong. I touched my flat abdomen, feeling utterly ridiculous. For a false promise of love and a futureless relationship, I had easily given up my dreams, turning my sacrifice into a joke.

"Deava, tomorrow is the deadline for registration. Are you sure you won't regret it if you give up?" The commander still held high hopes for me on the other end of the phone.

"Commander, I'm sorry for my previous immaturity. Please help me register!" The commander was delighted on the other end of the line.

This relationship ended when I was not chosen firmly. It was time to replan my future and reignite my abandoned dreams. Fortunately, there was still time for everything. Perhaps the child foresaw their doomed fate and chose to leave me.

When I was discharged from the hospital, the doctor said I had recovered well. Kirk arrived late as usual. While the doctor was advising me on post-discharge care, Kirk stood at the door frowning:

"Is it really that serious? Seven days in the hospital is enough, but now she can't even touch cold water at home? She's not an endangered animal; is this necessary?"

The doctor widened his eyes and asked me: "Is this man your husband?"

I denied it: "Just a friend."

The discharge procedures were complete except for picking up the medication. Kirk went to get it with a sullen face.

"I thought he was your husband and was ready to give him a good talking-to." I smiled but didn't respond to the doctor's comment.

Kirk waited for me in the hospital lobby with the medication: "I thought you were seriously ill. Aren't you fine now? How can a soldier be so delicate as to need hospitalization?" He rummaged through the medicine bag impatiently.

I took the medication from his hand without intending to explain.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"Let's talk in the car."

Thinking it inappropriate to break up in public, I followed him to the car. Habitually, I got into the passenger seat but noticed a mascara that wasn't mine. Closing the door, I moved directly to the back seat.

Kirk's face darkened: "What's wrong with you? Sit in front!"

I pointed at the mascara: "It's basic decency not to sit in someone else's boyfriend's passenger seat."

Following my gaze, Kirk's anger flared: "Are you crazy? Isn't this your mascara?"

"It's Keturah's."

On that day of the fire, Keturah had this exact mascara with her.

"Keturah always goes barefaced; she wouldn't carry makeup like you do."