Chapter 13

If they gave me a chance to sleep forever, I would take it. Sleep is what I needed right now. I do not wanna pass out today and the next few days. I was used to not sleeping during my teenage days. I stay up all night just doing nothing. I sometimes study and just do things that entertain me that do not wake others inside the house. Well, now I regret not sleeping early or get sleep at all during my teenage years. If I could turn back time, I would let myself sleep. For today, now is not the time to reminisce about my past and just focus on the things today which is the present while thinking about the future. The main problem right now is how the enemies kept finding our military base. It has been more than two times we had been moving our base and during our moves, many things have been happening. The soldiers in our area kept decreasing and getting injured. I do not even know if the higher-ups are actually talking about the current situation. Do they not realize it? I mean it can't just be a coincidence that the enemies' kept finding our base.

Bella and I also have not talked with each other much. Most of the time when we pass each other in the corridors, we greet each other but that is it. we have been stresses about the occurring events that we did not have the time to talk with each other. We are not the only ones who are stressed. Many of our comrades are also stressed about what is happening, worried that they might end up like other soldiers who were killed at the hand of their enemies, worried that they may never see their families again. I, myself, am also worried. I am not worried for myself but for my family. What if they were capture and became the enemies' captives so they could lure us into their trap? Being captured was one small thing for me but having your family held as captives is another big thing. You would do everything just for them to be safe even if your life is on the line.

It felt like it is a safe day. None of the enemies doing a surprise attack anywhere. Even though it felt a bit safe, I can still feel the negativity around me. The soldiers around me looked depressed, stressed, and mad. I was walking, hoping to see Joey. Joey and I also have not talked with each other much. The depression occupying his mind as his stressed has come upon him. As I found him, I saw him with lifeless eyes. There was no spark that can be seen in his eyes. His eyes looked dull and dead. It was scary because I knew him as the positive type but some people can be overcome by pessimism. I approached him as I saw him holding the same exact picture he has of his girlfriend from a few months ago. It's the only thing that kept him alive and sane. I pat his back as he started sobbing. He clutched his own shirt. His grip is strong that made his knuckles appear white and pale. The tears from his eyes dropped on the photo he is holding, some of it landing on his and my shirt. He then gripped his hair, clearly showing that he is stressed and frustrated. He was not in the right state of mind but at least he is not doing that harm him much. "Thank you for comforting me, Glen," he laughed lightly. I smiled lightly and nodded, "You comforted me, remember? I'm just paying you back."

I went out of the medical room after I rested well there. I went to our quarter and tried finding my letter and the sent letters by my family. I rummaged my bag and in every pocket. I don't think that the letters I just keep. It is more of a priceless collection that is precious to me. Every letter that was sent to me is important especially since I don't see much of my family anymore. After searching the letters, I went outside where I can be alone and read the letters privately. My most favorite letter is from my letter. It shows that she has improved in writing though there are some parts I don't understand. Her grammar is a bit off but still alright. I also feel the emotions while she was writing her letter to me. The dried tears on the paper as the evidence.

As I finished writing the short yet meaningful letter, a tear dropped on the letter. Slightly wetting the side part of the paper. I couldn't keep myself from crying as I sobbed quietly. I didn't notice that someone was looking at me with pity. Hearing the door open and someone's footsteps, I covered my mouth. I tried to look behind me but instead, I was hugged by not two but for arms. The two people who were hugging me were Joey and Bella. They comforted me with hugs and comforts, saying that everything was going to be alright. I don't know what to do without them. Even though I only knew both of them for a few months, we were like a family. A family not related by blood but by heart.

He looked at me and laughed, "Yeah. I remember it now." I looked at him as well and saw dried tears still on his face. "You look ugly with your crying. Here, take my handkerchief and wipe your face with it," I told him jokingly as I held out my handkerchief to him. He looked a bit pissed but still accepted the given handkerchief. He wiped his face with it as I laughed at him. He looked fine but messing can be fun. It comes out as payback to him especially from all his teasing in the past about Bella.

"By the way, can I read a letter to you? It is actually from my girlfriend but I wanna share it with you," Joey said as he tried finding the letters from his girlfriend. I looked at him, surprised. Why would he even share a letter to me that is only privately for him. "Sure?", it came out a question as I was unsure about what to answer. He then took out at least three letters from his bag. "Here. I'll read it to you," he said as he opened the first letter.

Dear Joey,

I miss you so much. Though it has only been 2 months since we have last seen each other, I still miss you. It has been boring without you here. I miss your jokes, laugh, smiles, and stupid antics. Overall, I miss your presence, the whole of you. Since I have been lonely within these two months, I often visit your parents. They told me that they missed you as well and wished to see you soon. They have been cooking your favorite as it is one of the things that reminds and associates with you. I also kept them company and took care of them. Your father is getting sick the past few days so your mother and I are taking care of him in the meantime. That is all I have to say for now. I'll write to you again soon.

Your girlfriend,

Cassandra

Then he opened the second letter.

Dear Joey,

I see you have read the letter I wrote to you. I am glad to know that you are safe. Your parents and I are looking forward to meeting your friend Glen. You also missed their anniversary and they are a bit upset about it. We still held a small anniversary party for your parents. I am glad they are happy even though you are not here. They wish to see you again. Your father is almost fine but we still tend to him in case he needs help. That's all for now. I will write to you soon again.

Your girlfriend,

Cassandra

He then opened the last letter.

Dear Joey,

Your father's condition is getting worse. His coughs and sneezes are not stopping. He has a fever right now and is still very ill. He is currently laying down on his bed while your mother is taking care of him. I also take care of your father while helping your mother. Your father is also waking up all night. He sometimes screams and we have to immediately go to him to check to see what was wrong. We also called a doctor because he cannot stand up for a minute or two. The doctor said he has a disease that is yet to discuss. The doctor informed us that he will talk to us about his condition but for now, we have to check up on him on our own. Your father misses you and wishes for you to come back as well as your mother and I. Stay safe, love.

That was the letter he read. He was sobbing once again as I comforted him. He suddenly fell asleep and left him on his bed to make sure he is resting well.

I went outside as I heard someone. "We are here at (location). Be here soon." I recognized the person's voice but I didn't want to immediately jump to conclusions. I glared at the floor as I walked to the General's office.