Unrequited

25

As the somber procession made its way through the streets of Thailand, Pooh clung to Pon's arm, his heart heavy with grief as they approached Pavel's coffin following the Army Parade. His eyes blurred with tears as they lifted the lid, revealing Pavel's still form lying peacefully within.

Pooh's breath caught in his throat as he saw the familiar sight of his letters and the dried chocolate resting on Pavel's chest. With trembling hands, he reached out to touch Pavel's face, his fingers tracing the contours of his beloved's features.

"y-you broke the promise, Captain," Pooh whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "I never wanted this to happen."

Pon stood beside him, his own grief evident in the tears streaming down his cheeks. He placed a comforting hand on Pooh's shoulder, offering silent support in their shared moment of sorrow.

As Pooh knelt beside Pavel's coffin, he felt a wave of despair wash over him, threatening to consume him whole. He longed for the warmth of Pavel's embrace, the sound of his laughter, the feeling of safety and love that he had found in his arms.

But even as his heart shattered into a million pieces, Pooh found solace in the knowledge that Pavel had read his letters, that he had known the depth of Pooh's love and devotion.

With a heavy heart, Pooh stood and kissed Pavel's cold forehead, his lips lingering on the icy skin for a moment before he pulled away. "Thank you, Pavel," he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for everything."

As the funeral procession continued, Pooh listened to the prayers and tributes offered to Pavel, his heart swelling with pride and sorrow. And when the government named Pavel a national hero, Pooh felt a sense of bittersweet pride wash over him, knowing that Pavel's bravery and sacrifice would never be forgotten.

In the days that followed, Pooh found himself drawn to Pavel's old house, seeking solace in the memories they had shared together. As he sat on the front steps, the cat Pavel had rescued curled up in his lap, Pooh felt a sense of peace wash over him.

And so, surrounded by the echoes of their love, Pooh made a decision. He would stay in Pavel's house, with the cat as his constant companion, never forgetting the man who had stolen his heart and changed his life forever. For Pooh knew that as long as he held onto Pavel's memory, his love would live on, eternal and unbreakable.