Love Amidst the Flames

Chap 14

After a brief meeting between the two, work at the border continued to pull them into a hurried rhythm. Engfa was busy arranging and distributing supplies to the soldiers, while Charlotte immediately went to the medical area to help treat the wounded. Responsibilities and duties left them little time to be together, but in their hearts, they both understood that the distance between them had shrunk more than ever.

By nightfall, at Engfa's arrangement, Charlotte was assigned to rest in her tent. This was a clear sign that Engfa didn't want to be separated from Charlotte, even for a moment. Engfa's military camp was cramped and simple, but Charlotte's presence made it feel warmer. There was no gap for distance, only the closeness that both longed for.

Upon entering the tent, Charlotte saw Engfa sitting at her desk, focused on reading letters and reports. The flickering light of the oil lamp illuminated her tired but determined face. Charlotte approached, her eyes full of affection. Engfa looked up, her eyes meeting Charlotte's gaze, as if finding comfort amid the harshness of life on the battlefield.

• "Are you busy with something?" - Charlotte asked softly, her voice gentle but with a hint of worry.

• "If it's important, I'll go outside. Finish your work, and I'll come in," - Engfa replied.

But before Charlotte could finish her sentence, Engfa stood up, her eyes softening as she pulled Charlotte close. She gently wrapped her arms around Charlotte, burying her head in the familiar curve of her neck. The warmth from Charlotte's body made Engfa feel relieved, as if she had found peace after a long, stressful day.

"I miss you so much, Char," - Engfa whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of emotion.

The way she addressed her, changing from "I" to "sister," stirred something in Charlotte's heart. The feelings Engfa had long tried to hide now surfaced in the most sincere way. Charlotte was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained her composure. She gently kissed Engfa's dark hair and teased,

• "How much do you miss me?"

Engfa didn't answer immediately; she just tightened her embrace, feeling Charlotte's warm breath blend with the rhythm of her own heartbeat.

• "When bullets fly and bombs explode, I'm not afraid; I only fear the day I no longer see your shadow," - Engfa whispered, her voice carrying a deep fear she had never expressed.

Charlotte looked up at Engfa, her eyes full of love and admiration. She smiled gently, her lips forming the words, "Hearing this from you makes me feel that running toward you in this life is the best decision I've made."

• "Engfa, you know? I fell in love with you the moment our eyes met."

Engfa smiled, her eyes reflecting a simple but profound happiness. The two sat together, talking about the past few days, the moments they had missed, and how life had passed when they weren't side by side. Engfa's stories about the brutal battlefield intertwined with Charlotte's accounts of the dangers she faced while traversing the dense jungle, creating a vivid picture of the harsh life they were facing.

Time passed, and it was after 6 PM. Engfa noticed Charlotte was getting tired after her long journey. She stood up and brought a steaming bowl of porridge to her, her face filled with concern. Engfa sat down next to Charlotte, gently picked up a spoon, and lovingly fed her.

• "You've worked hard for three days in the jungle to come see me, now you have to eat it all for me," - Engfa said, her tone a blend of affection and seriousness.

Charlotte smiled, not arguing, obediently accepting each spoonful of porridge from Engfa's hands. Her gentle care warmed Charlotte's heart. Before long, she finished the entire bowl of porridge, and Engfa remained there, not taking her eyes off her for even a moment.