The sun was descending below the horizon as Sergeant Sarin returned from what had undoubtedly been one of the most grueling missions of his storied career. Stepping out of his vehicle, he entered the dimly lit parking lot of the building, his battle-worn uniform bearing the scars of conflict. Across his forehead, a deep stitch marked a harrowing encounter, while his cheeks bore the signs of a relentless struggle, covered in multiple band-aids. His eyes, inflamed and weary, reflected the turmoil that had defined the day.
Sarin pressed the elevator button for his floor and stood in silence as the metal box ascended. As he rose, he couldn't help but be drawn back to the horrific moments when the monstrous assailants had descended upon his comrades. Emerging from the shadows of the dense underbrush, they had charged relentlessly, filling the air with screams, gunshots, and unrelenting chaos. Blood and brain matter stained the ground, an indelible testament to the horrors he had witnessed.
With a soft "ding," the elevator doors opened, ushering Sarin into his apartment. There, by the window, sat Nika, her presence as unwavering as ever. The solitary violet flower in the apartment seemed to flourish under her care.
"Hello! Welcome home!" Nika's lips parted in a warm smile, but it quickly faded upon seeing Sarin's disfigured visage and visible wounds. Without a word, Sarin headed for the kitchen, filling a glass with water from the faucet, Nika trailing behind him.
Struggling to find words, Sarin mumbled aimlessly, "Have you had lunch?"
"It's two hours past sunset!" Nika replied gently.
"Ah, I didn't notice," Sarin admitted.
"It's okay. I'll heat up your dinner," Nika said, hastening to put a pot on the stove and ignite the gas.
Sarin, grappling with his thoughts, finally spoke up, "Don't you want to ask what happened?"
With compassion, Nika reached for Sarin's hand, her voice softening as she inquired, "How many did you lose?"
Sarin's eyes welled up, and his voice trembled as he replied, "Five."
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Nika said, embracing him tightly. She felt the weight of his grief, his shoulders trembling with stifled sobs.
"I'm so sorry... It's gonna be okay," she whispered, trying to comfort him.
"It was beyond comprehension! Some of my best comrades... those mutated minds, how they could descend to such brutality, attacking their own kind," Sarin lamented.
Nika rested her head on Sarin's chest, listening to his heart pounding with intensity. In that moment, her warmth provided solace to the battle-hardened soldier, briefly easing the burden of his traumatic experiences. Initially, only Nika's arms had encircled him, but soon, his own hands found their way around her waist. He rested his head on her shoulder, finding an unexpected sense of peace and comfort in her presence.
"I wish there was a cure," Nika whispered.
Sarin let out a rueful chuckle and replied, "I have a friend who believes talking to trees is the solution. Can you believe it?"
"What do you mean, talking to trees?" Nika asked, intrigued.
Sarin hesitated, then confessed, "Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. It's top-secret..."
"Come on! Tell me! I won't tell anyone," Nika insisted.
Sarin finally relented, "The head of the clinical research department believes that if we could communicate with ancient trees, they can guide us toward a treatment. There's an incredibly old tree in the jungle park—over 3,500 years old. They think it's exceptionally wise, you know?"
Nika suddenly pulled away. "Oh," she uttered, her expression changing.
"Yeah, I know, it sounds absurd, doesn't it? But they believe it could work," Sarin said, glancing beyond Nika's shoulders and catching a whiff of the delicious dinner scent. Wiping away tears, he added, "Did the food heat up?"
Nika nodded, breaking the moment of tension, and replied, "Ah, yes! I'll plate it for you."
P.S:
Hello everyone, I’m a writer and a manga artist, and this is a piece that I’m working on. Later on, I’m going to put my art as well, piece by piece, for everyone to enjoy. I’ll welcome critiques, but plz don’t be too harsh.
Here is the link to the picture comic (manga) I'm currently creating, feel free to visit and leave a comment, subscribe, etc.
