Burnout

Chapter 10.

Riza's POV;

I collapse.

"Riza? Riza!" Havoc says through the phone.

"Is he dead?"

"What?" He asks.

"IS HE DEAD?!" I scream.

"No, but he's in critical condition at the Central Hospital. He swallowed a whole bottle of painkillers."

The painkillers. He got headaches when he was frustrated. Was he frustrated about me?

"I'm on my way." I say to Havoc.

"Are you sure that coming here is the best thing right now?"

"No, but I have something to tell him. He may hate me for it, but I don't care. He needs to know why I left."

Kallie starts to cry. She's hungry.

"Is that a baby?" Havoc asks, clearly confused.

"Shh, Kallie quiet down! I'll feed you in a minute." I say, kissing her forehead.

"Who's baby is that?" He asks.

"Oh, gotta pack bye Havoc!" I say and hang up.

What have I done?

This is all my fault.

I should never have taken him for granted.

He's the only one I've ever cared about, and now he almost died.

Because of me.

I pack up a few of my clothes, all of Kallies' stuff, some stuff for Black Hayate, and leave.

As I catch the bus into town, I look back at my small cottage, which has become my home.

I'll miss it.

The train is leaving. I have to sprint, which is hard considering I'm holding a baby, two bags, and a dog leash.

We get on board just in time.

As soon as I sit down, I put Kallie to sleep.

Once she closes her eyes, my thoughts consume me like rabid wolves over an injured rabbit.

Did Roy actually care for me?

Was I the reason he killed himself, or am I just jumping to conclusions?

How long had he been taking the painkillers? How frequently? What was the tipping point?

Then I remember. It has been exactly a year since I left Central.

Was that the reason?

Roy's POV:

Beep.

Beep.

What is that noise?

Beep.

Am I in a Hospital?

Beep.

I force open my eyes.

Beep.

Is this heaven?

Beep.

No, heaven wouldn't be in a hospital. It would be with Riza.

Beep.

"Hey, Roy, you're awake!" Says Havoc.

"Where am I, Havoc?"

Beep.

"Answer me goddammit! Promotion or no promotion, I'm still your superior!" I yell.

Beep.

He sighs.

"You tried to kill yourself, Roy."

"Yes, and clearly it didn't work." I retort.

"Roy, what's gotten into you? You've been distant for a year now! Is it because Riza left?" He asks.

Beep.

I look down and clench my fists.

"I would give anything to see her again." I sigh.

Beep.

"I have her a call, and she's fine." He says.

"WHAT? HOW DID YIU FIND HER NUMBER? I'VE BEEN TRYING TO CALL HER FOR THE LAST YEAR!!"

"She didn't want anyone firm the military contacting her. I asked her Grandpa to give me her number, so I could tell her about you."

"What did she say?"

Beep.

"WHAT THE HELL DID SHE SAY?!!"

"She asked if you were dead." He said.

"That can't be true! Fight or no fight we've been friends forever!"

"Sir, if there is anything I can do,"

"Just go."

He leaves the room.

Riza, my Queen, how did this happen?