Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 2

Engfa and Sun began to walk around the camp, and Engfa listened to the heartbreaking stories from the refugees. An elderly man approached, his eyes filled with worry:

• Officer, may I ask when we will be able to return home?

Engfa replied gently:

• We are doing our best to protect you. Please hold on to hope. We will not leave you here.

The man nodded, but the anxiety remained evident in his eyes. Engfa felt a heavy responsibility on her shoulders; every word she spoke carried weight and hope.

As she toured the refugee camp, Engfa paused before a group of children. The kids sat by the stream, their eyes clear but lacking smiles. A small boy asked:

• Miss, when will the war end?

Engfa couldn't respond immediately. She knelt down, looking directly into the boy's innocent eyes:

• I will do everything to protect you. The war will not last forever. Believe that one day, you will be able to play in the green fields again.

This promise was not only for the boy but also for herself and for the people she was protecting.

After the tour, Engfa felt tired but also filled with motivation. She decided to return to the military camp to discuss strategies for protection.

Upon her return, Engfa met Sun, her companion, and a young officer named Tif, who had just been assigned to oversee the work at the refugee camp. Engfa asked Tif about the situation:

• Tif, is everything okay?

• Sir, it seems the people are getting more anxious. We need a specific plan to keep them safe, - Tif, the young officer, responded with determination in his eyes.

Engfa nodded, thinking for a moment before proposing:

• We need to establish observation points around the camp to prevent any surprise attacks from the Japanese. Additionally, we should organize some meetings with the people to help them understand the situation better and reduce their anxiety.

Sun added:

• We could hold a large meeting tomorrow afternoon, inviting all the refugees to attend. From there, we can communicate information and bolster their spirits.

Engfa agreed:

• Exactly, Sun. However, we also need to prepare for every scenario. Tif, ensure that all officers and soldiers are ready to respond.

Tif nodded, his eyes burning with passion. Engfa could sense the enthusiasm from this young man. She turned to look at Sun:

• And you, organize a small team to patrol the area. Don't let anything get out of hand.

Sun smiled, reassuring himself that he would perform well in this task:

• Don't worry, Fa. Everything will be fine.

As the group began their work, Engfa felt her worries gradually ease. She understood that no matter how brutal the battle was, the soldiers and civilians would always stand together, fighting for a better future.

That afternoon, Engfa, along with Sun and Tif, returned to the refugee camp, where the meeting was scheduled to take place. They arranged chairs for the people, preparing the necessary information to convey. Engfa sat in the center, while Sun and Tif stood beside her, waiting for the refugees to arrive.

As the sunset approached, the refugees began to gather. Engfa saw tired faces, but their eyes still sparkled with hope. An elderly woman, holding her daughter's hand tightly, stepped closer to Engfa:

• Officer, we are very worried. Will we be able to return home?

Engfa looked into the woman's eyes, feeling the pain and loss. She gently replied:

• I understand your worries. We will do everything to protect you and your daughter. We cannot guarantee that everything will return to how it was, but trust that we will fight for your peace.

The woman nodded, although the anxiety still lingered in her gaze. Engfa turned back to the crowd gathering, trying to create a warmer atmosphere:

• I know this time is very difficult for all of us. But we must overcome this challenge together. As long as we do not give up hope, we will be able to rebuild the future.

Applause erupted from the crowd, but Engfa felt the unease still lurking. She thought, "What will happen if the Japanese attack right now?" But she knew that if she didn't show resilience, the civilians would become even more anxious.

After the meeting, Engfa returned to the camp with Sun and Tif. In the quiet atmosphere, Engfa felt a heaviness in her heart. Sun noticed her deep thoughts and asked:

• What are you thinking about, Fa?

• I'm just thinking about what might happen in the future. If we are not careful, things could get worse. - Engfa sighed, her gaze distant.

Tif chimed in:

• But we will not stand idly by. We must prepare for every situation.

Engfa nodded, feeling warmed by the support of friends like Sun and Tif:

• Exactly. We will fight until our last breath.

That night, Engfa lay awake, tossing and turning. In her mind, images of the refugees, children losing their childhoods due to war, and soldiers sacrificing daily played over and over. She wondered if she had enough strength to lead everyone through this storm.

"Perhaps love is also a way to fight," Engfa thought. She remembered Charlotte, a girl she had met during a humanitarian aid event. Charlotte was a nurse, always dedicated to caring for the wounded, with a bright smile and a warm heart.

"I wonder if Charlotte is safe?" Engfa pondered. "I can't let personal feelings interfere with my responsibilities, but... I miss her so much."

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Hy.