Love Began with the First Meeting

All of a sudden, Maggie felt that her words had become stuck in her throat and she couldn't utter anything at all. She just stared blankly at Edgar, eyes wide open. The indifference on Edgar's face was like a cold knife, mercilessly stabbing into her heart. She had no idea of what to do right now.

"You don't have to feel guilty." Edgar's voice was still cool as he eyed her coldly. "Even if it had not been you, I would still have taken the risk. I know you care about the data. Actually not only you, but the entire S Army is highly concerned about it. So you know how important it is." What he said sounded rather reasonable and convincing. The rescue wasn't something personal, but an act of professionalism instead. If Maggie still wanted to believe that he had walked through the fire for her only, she would have had to be stupid! "Bang!" The door was shut with a heavy thump as Maggie silently left the room. Edgar's brows, which almost met each other just now, started to relax and separate. He told himself that it was for the best. He had to be cruel to be kind. Heaving a sigh, he turned to look out through the window. There were horns to summon their people. At this moment, his thoughts drifted away...

"Lightning, if I successfully complete this mission, I want a few days off."

Edgar had green paint in meandering patterns on his face to camouflage himself among the foliage. Beside him was a soldier with the alias "Thunder", whose rank was first sergeant. They had been hiding in the jungle to monitor the surrounding lands for more than 48 hours. It was the most tiring mission that they had ever executed since they had entered the Sharp Blade Commando.

Edgar squinted his fatigued eyes. Through the sight of the sniper's rifle, he was intently observing something two thousand meters distant. In a low voice, he said jokingly, "You always say that. But in the end, you still celebrate the new year with me in the camp, every time."

Thunder heaved a sigh and said, "I'm too old for this. You guys are younger and stronger. I think it's time for me to retire."

Edgar furrowed his eyebrows and asked, "Are you serious?"

"What do you think?" Thunder smiled. Taking the binoculars to observe the surroundings, he mumbled, "Since I entered the Sharp Blade, my wife has had more complaints than ever. Now she's gone, with another man. My daughter is 18 years old already. She is going to attend the graduation examinations for her colleague this year, but I have never taken proper care of her. I am not a good father." As he spoke, bitterness crept into his heart. His eyes were still sharply scanning around for danger. As a member of the Sharp Blade, he had mastered the skill of multitasking.

Edgar lowered his head and said, "She will understand your sacrifices."

Thunder heaved another sigh. "She does understand me. That is why she didn't go with her mother, which makes me feel even more guilty." He paused to gather his thoughts and continued, "After this mission, I am going to submit my retirement papers. Just sign your name. Don't hesitate."

Edgar fell into a deep silence and his mood blackened. It had been years since the Sharp Blade Commando was established. Thunder was one of the original soldiers who started the commando. He was so experienced in fighting and carrying out different kinds of missions that the senior military officers had wanted him to stay in the commando. But what Thunder had said roused something in Edgar's heart. He couldn't help thinking of Molly, who would also have to attend the national exam. 'It has been so many years since I left her without saying a proper goodbye. How is she doing right now?' he thought reflectively.

"Okay..." Edgar answered, "I will sign my name on that paper. I will also help you convince the senior military officers."

Upon hearing this, Thunder grinned. "Lightning, remember your words. I am serious this time."

"No problem. I promise you," replied Edgar equally serious.

Thunder felt elated, all of a sudden. While he was still vigilantly observing the surroundings, he began to think about the different ways he would use his pension to travel with his daughter to France for the holidays after she had finished her examination. In his reveries, he started to see the lavender fields of Provence. He imagined himself breathing the artistic and romantic air of the countryside while walking casually through the vineyards.

The more he thought about it, the wider his smile became. Edgar turned and studied Thunder's happy smile, a question mulling over in his mind. 'Thunder cares so much for his daughter that he wants to retire early to accompany her overseas. Then why do some parents act so indifferently to their children?' he thought to himself, confused by the duality of human nature.

"Lightning, on the day of my retirement, I am going to cook you some of our hometown dishes," Thunder said gaily. "I have been saying that for years, I know, but I really haven't had the time. If I am not busy doing drills, then I am occupied with training the new members of the commando. This time I will keep my promise."

Edgar smiled. "All right." But he couldn't have imagined then, that he would never be able to taste the hometown dishes that Thunder had promised. Thunder never got the chance to keep his promises ever again. He had gone to Thunder's grave and spoken to him in his heart. 'Thunder, you promised me those dishes. I also promised you that I'd sign on your retirement application form. Let's keep our promises. Come on, he told Thunder. But there wasn't any reply.

The moment he had assumed the leadership of the Sharp Blade Commando, he had sworn a promise to himself, 'In the battle field, I won't abandon any soldier. I am willing to shield my soldiers with my own body if necessary. No one is going to die in front of me, not while I am still alive.' But that day, he had broken his promise to himself. It was Thunder who took the bullet for him.

In the last moments of his life, Thunder was still smiling at him, but the smile was filled with remorse. How he had wished that he could have lived longer and fulfilled his role as a father! Thunder had decided to retire and spend more time with his daughter, but he never had a chance to do so. The only thing that Edgar could do, was to take care of his daughter on his behalf.

Suddenly, Edgar snapped back to reality, tears welling up his eyes. He closed his eyes and tried to focus on the sounds beyond the room, but bitterness again engulfed him. 'I chose to return to the troops because of Molly's injury and Jenifer's helplessness. But was it for Thunder as well?

I might die at any second. How can I promise anyone anything?' he thought then and felt utterly alone for the first time in years.

**

Maggie accompanied Tompson to the canteen. She had wanted the best food in the canteen, but that was only for senior military officers.

"Hey, Tompson." Maggie looked left and right and discovered that some soldiers were looking in their direction. Swallowing anxiously, she thought, 'A first lieutenant and a captain are enjoying some privilege. Is it crossing the line?'

She looked at Tompson and grumbled, "If you want to die, go ahead. I, however, don't want to die! I have gone through so much hardship to live until today, my dear!"

Tompson pretended as if he didn't hear her grumblings. Passing Maggie a pair of chopsticks and filling her plate with rice, he assured her, "Don't worry. This meal is a reward given by a senior military officer."000000