Page 91 of Severed Heart
“Well, you don’t scare me,” I whisper, stilling my palm on her cheek. “So, do you want to have one of those good days with me when you open your eyes, General? Because I miss my fishin’ buddy and best friend too,” I admit, praying it doesn’t cost me but unable to hold it in any longer. “I miss her so fucking much.”
Behind her fresh tears, I see a sliver of hope just before she nods, the fire in my chest going inferno because I know I’ve kept her trust.
“Good. Then get some sleep because this soldier is eagerly awaiting your next order, and regardless of what you think of yourself.” I swallow and swallow again, allowing the love I feel for her into my voice. “This soldier is in fucking awe of the fighter you are.”
I sit with her a minute longer, caressing her lightly, until her eyes start to lower.
“See you tomorrow?” I rasp, my heart thudding at the look of her under my touch before I gently pull my hand away.
She faintly nods again in reply. The soft look in her eyes, the way she’s staring back at me, has my chest blazing. But I force myself to my feet and toward the door, every step fucking grueling as my heart pounds in protest to go back to her. Just as I get to the threshold, her whisper reaches me.
“Il a prédit que je détruirais ce qu’il y a de bon dans tout homme qui choisirait de m’aimer.”He predicted I would destroy the good in any man who chose to love me.
I glance back to see her sliding her hand beneath her pillow. Her eyes focused on me. “Malheureusement, je savais déjà que c’était vrai.”Sadly, I already knew it was true.She holds my gaze intently for another beat.
“J’espère que l’amour est bien plus tendre avec toi, mon beau garçon.”I hope love is much more kind to you, my beautiful boy.
I swallow as she nods toward the switch. “Please turn off the light.”
I do and stand there until her eyes flutter closed and continue to darken her door before leaving her with a whisper, a hope of my own.
“Si seulement tu me laissais te montrer à quel point l’amour peut être bon, belle femme.”If only you would let me show you how kind love can be, beautiful woman.
* * *
WINTER 2005
General Half-Pint: Privit what doign this delpihne queston mark
I always know who this is, General Half-Pint. ;)
General Half-Pint: You mad e wink face. I make it ;/
Not quite, but you’ll get there.
General Half-Pint: I ment to do mean face ha ha
I had a feeling. Feeling a little feisty tonight, huh?
General Half-Pint: Oui and yuo will looes next batile so bad
Looking forward to your ass-whoopin’
General Half-Pint: You army gong be so broke so can not fixx it
Damn. Should I be scared?
General Half-Pint: Hmm mabye
See you later, General.
General Half-Pint: Not if see yuo first
You nailed that use of expression! I’ll make an American metaphor master out of you yet, and damn, you’ve got a mouth on you today.
General Half-Pint: Is not mout h imbcile is txting
I’m aware we’re texting, but I can hear you speaking every time you text.
