Friendly Fire

Lieutenant Willow - (16) A Miracle

"Coward!" I cried out as Colonel Hitchen left our barrack.

My hands are tied, I can't afford to quit my role here. I like serving the military. It means I can keep everyone I love safe. But, Under Colonel Hitchen's command, we are all lambs being led to the slaughter house. Something needs to change. If neither Colonel Hitchen or Sergeant Collins step up to their roles. Then I guess I will. I will be the one to lead our units and take care of these rebel scum myself. I will kill Private Bane and get revenge for what she did to Private Riley. I know It was her. I know I saw her. She will pay.

I stayed by Lieutenant Davis' side, waiting for him to wake up.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

He groaned as he woke up while rubbing his eyes. It took him a moment for his brain to fully wake up and become aware of where he is as he sat up looking a little confused.

His autumn eyes finally met mine and I couldn't help but shoot him a soft smile of reassurance.

"Lily? What... what are you doing here?" He spoke with a deep tired voice that he always gets after a long sleep.

My smile only grew after hearing it, I know he's gotten all the rest he missed out on these past few days.

"Making sure you're alright, dummy"

He snorted at my response, lowering his head slightly to hide the soft pink glow that was spreading across his cheeks before seeing the blood patches on his uniform and the memories hit him hard.

I watched his breath catch and the tears that came rushing to his eyes as he muttered.

"Pr-private Ril-ley.."

Through his panic he scrambled from the bed and rushed his way towards the infirmary.

I wasn't too far behind him as I needed to stop him to allow the medics to work in peace. He will only disturb them and may see something that we both don't want to see.

"Cole!" I called out and managed to block the entrance to the infirmary before he could step inside.

"Lieutenant Willow! Step aside! Before I shove you!"

I only shook my head and stood my ground.

"No! We-... we can't go in there yet.. please. Let's go back to the barracks and talk this out."

His hands balled up into fists at his sides as he peered over the top of my head to see into the infirmary. Luckily everything was blocked off with curtains sheathing the used rooms. Private Riley was in one of them. We don't know which or what state he's currently in.

"I.. but- he's in there! Alone! We need to see him!"

I shake my head once more.

"The medics are there with him. You did good, Cole. Now come on, please.. Go back to bed.."

Silent tears streamed down his eyes as I began to drag him into his bunk to freshen up. But it's a struggle, he remained in the shower for hours under frigid cold water as he felt cold to the touch when he finally left the shower fully dressed in a fresh clean uniform. I sighed and pulled him down to lay on his bed. My own body lay beside him as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders while my hands cupped the back of his neck.

Silence continued to linger for a hot minute when my fingers ran through his dark curls as an attempt to let him know that I am here and that he needs to focus on the present rather than the past and any thoughts of self doubt that he may have.