Random One-Shot

He embraced her and she panicked.



It was the kind of embrace that caused the heart to drop into the stomach. It was a determined embrace, a solid frame holding a tired frame. It was the kind of embrace a soldier gives his wife and unborn child just before he leaves. It was the kind of embrace someone gives because they know there’s a chance it will be their last.



But he had made his decision and there was nothing she could do to stop him.



She knew this. When his arms wrapped around her she didn’t respond right away. The tears that streaked her face were not enough to convince him. Neither the shuddering of her shoulders nor her labored breathing could change his mind. He was going to leave. His mind was made up. Her pleas and pathetic sobs into his shoulder were for naught. Her nails desperately digging into the fabric of his jacket left temporary imprints that would disappear as soon as he would.



He stayed silent, fearing that any word that escaped his lips would either weaken his resolve or whisper empty promises to his beloved. So he stayed silent. The combat that raged outside of their room couldn’t compare to the war erupting inside of him. It all came down to a choice. Had he chosen what was right?



He let go. She didn’t. Maybe if she could hold him there just a little bit longer he would change his mind. Maybe he just couldn’t see how much she loved him. Maybe he would never know.



Gently, he lifted her hands off of him and they dropped to her sides, her head bowed toward the ground as more tears fell from her nose and chin, leaving small wet splashes on the floor. He lifted her face and kissed her on the forehead. He offered one last smile before he turned to leave.



This was it. The last time she would ever see him. The last time she would ever be able to touch him or listen to him. The last time they would ever be together. He didn’t care about her. Why else would he have chosen this fate?



He turned back toward her just as he reached the door and their eyes met for a long moment. I love you, they were saying to each other. I love you.