Ash fall from the sky like snow during a winter storm. I hold Mason’s body in my arms. My eyes search for someone to help. But there is no one. I watch as our numbers are cut down by the thousands. Our people, slaughtered by the hands of the defiant. Relatives leave behind their families as they race to their impending death. This was not how it was suppose to happen. Something is wrong. I scream out for someone from third squad, from our unit—for anyone. My voice is drowned out by agonizing cries of the injured and the wails of the mourning.

“Arora,_”__ _His voice, no more than a breath, calls my name. My gaze meets his, then goes to his body. My hands are painted in his blood. His clothes are now stained with a deep red color, growing darker as it seeps out. Blood pools beneath us. Tears blur my vision as my eyes meet his again. He licks his lips, tongue covered in a mixture of ash and blood, as he prepares to talk.

“I-I told you I would go out with a bang.” His voice is raspy and broken. A soft laugh escapes his mouth. My grip on him tightens while I choke on my tears.

“A memorable exit by an honorable man.” Hot tears steadily flow down my face while I force a smile.

“Do me a favor-“ His voice was a low mumble, his eyes start to flutter.

“Don’t forget me,” and his eyes close. His chest slowly falls but does not rise again. It takes everything I have to fight back my sobs. The pain engulfs me while I feel his life leave his body. Bending down, I leave a kiss on his forehead. My lips linger on his skin.

Our final kiss.

I take the moment in. My lungs fill with your scent—the sweet smell of a summer peach. The sound of war fills my ears. Metal on metal, gut-wrenching screams, the thud as bodies hit the dirt floor. I am brought back to where I am. I lift my head from your and trade every ounce of sorrow I have for rage. Tomorrow I will grieve, but today? Today, I will end this war. If not for me, then for Mason.

“Your memory will not die with me,” I whisper to him before planting my feet flat on the ground. My hands tighten around my weapons. I run.