That cheer froze me in my tracks.

The Captain's girl?! They called her the Captain's girl...

Then what was I?

I dug my nails into my palms, watching as Lila unwrapped a piece of candy and offered it to Landon. He bent down so she could place it in his mouth.

Someone in the crowd snickered, "The Captain never eats sweet stuff like this. Only if it's from her."

Another round of whooping followed.

I stood in the shadows, my heart throbbing with a dull, persistent ache.

The guard who had brought me over scratched his head awkwardly. "They're just joking, Ms. Vance. Don't mind them..."

"It's fine."

I shook my head, stopping him from calling out to Landon, and turned to leave.

Only after leaving the base did I feel like I could breathe again.

I looked down at the box of chocolates in my hand, and then, with a flick of my wrist, I tossed it into a nearby trash can.

Back home, the house was empty and silent.

The loneliness was a palpable chill in the air.

I sank onto the sofa, staring blankly at the photo of Landon and me on the TV stand from a few years ago.

In the picture, I was smiling in a white gown, held in the arms of a man in a crisp military uniform.

Both of our faces were lit up with brilliant smiles.

I pulled out a small wooden box and unfolded the letters Landon and I had exchanged in the past.

"Elara, it's cold today. Don't forget to wear something warm."

"Elara, I'm done with work for the day. I want to see you."

"Elara, it's only been half a month, but it feels like years."

...

Landon was a man of few words, but even his brief sentences radiated his love for me.

But then we got cell phones and started texting, and his messages of concern became fewer and fewer.

The last text he sent me was from two weeks ago.

It said: "Busy at the base. Don't worry."

Suddenly, a heavy rain began to fall outside.

The unusual quiet made me anxious, my heart pounding in my chest.

I curled up on the sofa, clutching the letters, my pale face reflected in the windowpane.

"I'm not sick... Landon loves me most of all..."

I muttered to myself, my head growing heavy as time slipped by.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open.

Dazed, I looked up to see Landon standing in the doorway.

I immediately sat up, my heart soaring. "Landon, what are you doing back?"

Landon frowned at me. "You came to the base yesterday?"

I paused. I hadn't done anything wrong, yet I felt a surge of helplessness. "I wanted to surprise you."

A hint of annoyance seemed to flicker in Landon's eyes.

"Don't come again."

I stared at him, his tone sounding just like an order he would give a subordinate.

I lowered my head, my heart tightening again.

Only then did Landon add, "This training exercise will be over soon."

I didn't know how to react.

When it's over, will you be with me?

But I didn't dare to hope anymore...

I could only lower my eyes and murmur, "Okay."

Then I stood up, desperate to change the subject. "I'll go run you a hot bath."

Landon looked down at his soaking wet uniform and acquiesced with a nod.

Standing by the stove, I touched my own cold face and let out a long, deep breath.

After a long while, I walked out.

"Landon, the water's ready..."

The words died in my throat. I saw Landon holding a small pill bottle, his face grim as he turned to me.

His voice was an icy accusation. "You lied to me?"

I stood rooted to the spot, recognizing the empty bottle of Amitriptyline.

He tipped it over, and a few Vitamin C tablets fell out. "Depression?"

"Elara Vance, is it fun to lie to me?!"