Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 13

Charlotte walked along the forest trail, each step feeling like an endless journey. Though her body was exhausted, her mind kept racing with thoughts of Engfa. The image of the girl she loved resurfaced, and her heart ached once more. She recalled the fleeting moments they had shared - their first glance, the times their hands touched, and the intimate conversations that now felt like precious memories.

• "Charlotte, are you okay?" - Dee suddenly interrupted her thoughts.

Charlotte turned around, forcing a faint smile.

• "I'm fine, P'Dee. It's just... I'm thinking about someone."

• "P'Dee, did you know she's very strong," Charlotte said.

• "But... what if something happens to her?" - Charlotte's voice filled with worry.

•"P'Dee, I can't stop thinking about it. I haven't even told her that I love her, that... that I always need her."

Dee stopped, looking at Charlotte with empathetic eyes.

• "I understand that feeling. But you need to trust that she'll do everything to protect herself. Don't let these fears weaken you."

Charlotte sighed, nodding, though her heart still felt heavy.

• "I know, but... every passing minute, I feel like I'm losing my way. If something terrible happens to her, I'll never forgive myself."

• "Don't think like that," - P'Dee said, trying to encourage the young girl.

• "You're doing everything to help her. That's the most important thing right now. Make sure she knows you're always here for her, and that you won't give up."

As their conversation ended, Charlotte felt a small weight lifted from her heart. But the anxiety continued to torment her mind.

Meanwhile, at the border, Engfa had put all her energy into her work and fighting. She felt like a machine, continuously working with no time to process what was happening around her. But there was one thing she couldn't forget - the image of Charlotte.

• "Engfa, where's your mind right now?" - Sun asked, his gaze serious.

• "You need to stay focused; the situation is becoming tense."

• "Sorry, I was just... thinking a bit," - Engfa replied, taking a deep breath to regain focus.

• "We need to strategize for a stronger defense."

• "Good," - Sun nodded.

• "But don't let emotions get in the way of your duty. If we hear anything about the relief team, we must be ready."

One evening, she sat down with Sun to discuss their battle strategy.

• "Engfa, have you heard anything from the relief team?" - Sun asked, watching her closely.

• "Not yet, but I really hope they'll arrive soon," - Engfa replied, tiredly rubbing her face. "We need them to keep fighting."

• "Don't you think you're overexerting yourself?" - Sun asked, concerned.

• "There's no time to rest," Engfa insisted, her determination clear. "We have to protect this area."

• "You need to take care of yourself," - Sun emphasized. "If something happens to you, we'll be in trouble."

• "Alright, I'll be more careful," - Engfa said, though in her heart, Charlotte's image remained vivid. "I just... can't stop thinking about her."