You're My Dream

Their Last Embrace

On the beginning of the 12th month, massive shock took place, Berthold Hawkeye became very ill and no amount of pills could heal him, it was a very hard time for Riza, the only family she had, was slipping away from her hands, she tried getting doctors from the nearby villages but none of them could help, they said it was out of their hand.

Riza was never close to her father, she didn't know why she was feeling that way about a man who had neglected her most of her life, it all just didn't make any sense to her.

Roy on the other hand, was more concerned for Riza than he was about finishing his alchemy practice, he saw how she was trying all that she could to save her father and he could only do so little as comfort her at times and help her seek doctors every now and then, they both were tired, but Riza just felt strange about the whole issue.

One night, after Berthold barely went to sleep, being the stubborn man he is, he wanted to stay up and read about his alchemy.

Roy was standing outside his room that night, he heard the fight they were having, he heard her father say that he was disappointed in her for not learning alchemy, that he wished he had a son instead of a daughter, maybe then the family's name would carry on..

"Is that all you can think of, father? Why have you kept me away from you all these years when I wanted nothing but to have a relationship with you? Even if I was not interested in Alchemy, I know I am a good daughter and if you wanted to admit it or not, you love me just as much as you loved mother!" she said, her voice was so shaky and her father was quiet, eyes fixated on the floor. Roy heard everything and was brokenhearted. She walked out the room that night after helping her father settle in bed, and Roy was standing there, in front of that room, she looked the same way she did almost 12 months ago, her eyes were of pinkish red color.

She walked towards him and he held her, she cried and cried, burying her head in his chest, all the while he just held her, tightening his embrace, she quieted down for a bit and took a deep breath, she looked up at him and smiled.

"You're the only one to ever see me cry." He kissed the top of her head

"Riza, you need to rest, it's late now, I'll go get you a glass of milk" he smiled at her.

She went into her room and put on her nightgown as he went downstairs to get two glasses of milk.

They sat there, drinking the milk, and having a chatter, celebrating all the time they spent together this past year. After a while she felt too drowsy to speak, Roy smiled and he tucked her in bed.

The following day went by slowly, Riza's father was feeling better, still in bed but the pains were slowly fading, still that didn't stop him from wanting his books and researches brought to bed to him, he was determined on finishing his research, it was as if he was trying to runaway from something by busying himself with the research, but lately, he wasn't his usual self.

Roy was close to finish his alchemy basics practice, he had mastered almost everything given to him by his teacher, he was soon to finish his basic training so it was somewhat a hard time for him, having to leave this house, which felt like a home to him.

He and Riza now spent every night together, as soon as her father would fall asleep, they would come down for a drink, not necessarily milk, but most of the time it was.

The last day came, Riza and Roy were in such great pain, her father said goodbye to him and went off to his study.

Riza walked with Roy all the way to the train station, it was a silent walk mostly

"What will you be doing now, Riza?"

"I will keep on working, I'm almost close to obtaining the right amount of money for the military academy fees, and I may or may not be applying next year, I have to see for my father first, he may not show it but he needs me very much at this time."

They arrived at the station and sat on one of the benches, silent, heavily breathing, then the sound of the train was heard, their hearts sank.

The train stopped in front of them and they both stood up, they didn't know what to say, they had nothing to say, Roy, for the first time, being so teaseful with her, couldn't manage to look her in the eye.

"Goodbye, Roy." She smiled with her eyes a pinkish red color and all Roy could do was hold her, he held her and held her and tightened his grip around her more as if he was hanging onto his life with her.

"I will be back, Riza." He finally let go and carried his bag.

"I know you will." She smiled.