You were dying. That was too true. Your injuries too severe, help too far away. He cursed how things had panned out. The mission could’ve been so much simpler.

Now he was here, with you, your head cradled in his lap, in the darkness.

He caressed you cheek as you whimpered in pain. His heart hurt. He’d seen many die, of course he had. But seeing you, a young private dying? That hurt. Hurt bad.

“Breathe…Breathe…” He crooned. “Look at the stars, kid.”