When Love Fades in the Flames

Will He Mourn for Me?

When I finally came to my senses, I realized he wasn't really looking at me but was simply staring through my soul to check on Alice's condition.

"Dr. Winters!" A newly arrived field nurse burst into the tent. She didn't understand the connection between Sebastian and me, but her face was pale with urgency as she delivered John's message. "The patient Dr. John was working on just now has been declared brain dead. Do you want to take another look?"

Sebastian stood up without hesitation and walked toward Alice's bedside. She was groaning restlessly at this moment.

His voice was firm as he replied, "Dr. John is just as capable as I am. If he has declared the patient dead, there's nothing more I can do."

The nurse stood there, frozen in disbelief, her eyes wide and questioning.

I shook my head, too, knowing this was just how Sebastian was. He had seen death so many times that he no longer flinched at its arrival. He always focused on saving the living. But for the dead? He spared no unnecessary grief.

'But, Sebastian, this time, it's not just anyone, it's your lover who has fought alongside you for so many years. How can you not even want to see me one last time? How much must you hate me?' I mused sadly.

He pressed his lips into a thin line. "I have to take care of this girl," he explained calmly.

The nurse turned her head, glancing at the figure lying on the bed. When she saw that Alice only had a single, small bandage wrapped around her calf, her expression almost most twisted in shock.

She cast a strange glance at him before turning away in silence.

Moments after the nurse was gone, John burst in. He grabbed Sebastian's arm and said sternly, "Seb, maybe if we remove the bomb fragments from her brain, we can still save her! You're a skilled neurosurgeon, come with me!"

I looked at John's sad and anxious look, and my heart ached again!

But Sebastian gently pulled his arm free from John's grip. "John, you need to calm down. You're also a doctor who has seen enough to know when it's time to accept the reality of the situation."

A surge of anger welled up inside me, hot and uncontrollable. I wanted to slap him but found that I couldn't touch him at all! I was so angry!

John's mouth hung open, words failing him for a moment. When he finally spoke again, his voice was heavy with conviction. "She's an exceptional war correspondent. The world needs her, Seb."

Suddenly, a deep sadness washed over me, a sorrow for my comrades, who had fought so hard for me, worrying and rushing around in their attempts to save me. And an even deeper grief for the indifference of my lover, who had been by my side no matter rain or shine.

But I had no regrets. Alice was still a life in this world. Even if she weren't Sebastian's beloved woman, I wouldn't have hesitated to save her.

Sebastian froze for a moment, then patted John on the shoulder, and said, "My condolences. Please send my respects to our fallen comrade."

John's eyes were red, brimming with unshed tears as he glanced at Sebastian. He muttered, "Don't come to regret this!" and ran off without waiting for a reply.

I watched John's retreating figure. Slowly, I crouched down and wrapped my arms around myself tightly.

Sebastian stood there, lost in thought, his brows knitted as John's words echoed in his mind. But just moments later, Alice's pained whimpers pulled him back, drawing his attention like a magnet.

I could only watch as he tenderly comforted her. If I were still alive, I was sure my tears would be streaming down my face by now.

'Sebastian, there will never be another Crystal in this world. Will you ever mourn for me?' I mused bitterly.

...

Alice had fully awakened now. And as if pulled by some invisible force, I found myself stuck at Sebastian's side and had no choice but to helplessly watch as he wrapped his arms around her and sang a song, Little Nightingale, from my hometown.

I couldn't help but shout inwardly in frustration, "Your Southpark accent is awful!"

I was the one who taught him that song, though he learned it begrudgingly. And yet, it wasn't long before Alice overheard him singing it. From that moment on, every time she struggled with insomnia, she would call him and insist he sing this tune.

It bothered me to no end. I protested more than once, but my complaints were always met with his stern gaze and scolding words. "Alice's insomnia is severe, and only this song helps her sleep. Can't you be more understanding and stop being so self-centered in everything?"

As he was singing halfway through the song, his voice suddenly faltered. He brushed her hair with his fingers and said, "Alice, you should have a good rest first. I need to step out for a bit."

She pouted and looked at him reluctantly. "Alright. But come back soon, okay? My leg doesn't hurt when you're by my side."

He smiled gently and playfully tapped her forehead. Only then did he turn and step out of the tent.