Page 67 of Love Under Siege

“You came for me” I struggle to push out, my throat dry. He brings a cup of water and guides the straw to my lips. Of course I did baby, I’ll always come for you” he says as he strokes my cheek.

Then everything that has happened comes rushing back and I am filled with guilt, sadness, and relief. “Oh, Jacob, I am… I am… “ I struggle to talk “shhh baby, don’t, it’s not your fault. It’s Adam’s, he did this not you” he says trying to reassure me.

“I’m sorry about your Mom, I really loved her” I whisper. He strokes my hair and I can see how much he loves me. “Anya, I know and she loved you too. I’m sorry about Nana” he says and my mind goes back to the memory of her. Lana was right that day at the funeral, it was because of Nana that I found the strength to keep going.

I look over at Jacob and I can tell something is wrong, I take in his tired eyes and the slight tremble in his hands. “Jacob, you look so…so tired. Are you okay? Maybe you should get some sleep.”

He lets out a small, relieved chuckle. “I’m fine. I’ve been running on adrenaline and coffee. But, Anya…” His voice catches, and he swallows hard. “I need to go back to Georgia. My training isn’t over, and I have to report back soon. I was only allowed a week for bereavement and I have to go back” he says solemnly.

My heart sinks at the thought of him leaving again. “Jacob, no…please, can’t you stay a little longer?” I say knowing full well nothing I say will keep him here.

He leans closer, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “I wish I could, my love. You have no idea how much I want to stay with you. But this is something I have to finish. I promise, I’ll come back as soon as it’s over.”

I can see the pain in his eyes, and it breaks my heart. I reach up with my free hand to cup his face. “Promise me you’ll be careful. I need you.”

He nods, his eyes glistening. “I promise, and Anya, I need you to be strong. I’m not leaving you forever. This is just for the next few weeks. I’ll be back before you know it.”

His words are a balm to my frayed nerves, but I can’t shake the fear of him leaving. “Jacob… I don’t know how I’d cope without you.”

He leans in, his forehead resting gently against mine. “You won’t have to, Anya. We’re in this together. I love you too much to let go, even for a short time.”

The room is quiet except for the soft beeping of the heart monitor. I close my eyes, savoring the feeling of his closeness. “I love you too, Jacob. More than words can say.”

He kisses me softly, his touch light and tender. “I’ll write to you every day. And I’ll come back as soon as I can. I swear.”

Before I can respond, the door creaks open, and a nurse peeks in. Jacob reluctantly pulls back, giving me a sad smile. “I have to go now. But remember, Anya, you’re the reason I keep going. I’ll be back before you know it.”

As he walks toward the door, I reach out for him one last time. “Jacob…please be safe.”

He turns, his eyes full of promise. “I will. I love you, Anya.”

The door closes behind him, and I’m left alone with my thoughts and the echo of his words. I close my eyes, clinging to the hope of his return.

I lay there, the beeping of the heart monitor a steady reminder of my fragile state. The room feels emptier now that Jacob has left, and a deep ache settles in my chest. I know he has to go, but the thought of him being so far away makes me feel even more isolated.

The nurse enters and checks my vitals, offering a comforting smile. “You’re doing well, Anya. Just keep resting, and we’ll have you feeling better in no time.”

I nod, trying to muster a small smile in return. The nurse finishes her checks and leaves the room, closing the door softly behind her.

I stare at the ceiling, my mind racing through everything that has happened. The image of Jacob’s face, filled with worry and love, is burned into my memory. The thought of him in training, away from me, adds another layer of weight to my already heavy heart.

The door creaks open again, and I turn to see a familiar face—Lana. She steps in, looking weary but determined. Her eyes soften when she sees me.

“Anya, you’re awake,” she says, her voice choked with emotion. She walks over to the side of my bed and takes my hand gently.

“Lana,” I whisper, “I’m so glad to see you.”

She squeezes my hand, her expression a mix of relief and guilt. “I’m sorry, Anya. I didn’t know—I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.”

I look into her eyes, seeing the pain reflected back at me. “It’s okay, Lana. It was an accident, and I’m fine.”

Lana nods, then raises her hands in mock surrender. “I’m never touching a gun again.”

I laugh but quickly wince at the pain. “Ugh, don’t make me laugh!”

She winces, too. “Sorry! I was just trying to lighten the mood… sort of. But I am serious about never wanting to see another gun in my life.” She sits on the edge of my bed and accidentally tugs on my IV cord.

“Ow, ow, ow!” I gasp, and she shoots up.

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