Dead Love

Nina crawled desperately through the streets. Her thoughts were swirling. Her throat burned, and her tongue was swollen. Nearby, a bottle smashed. The shrill, desperate screams of a young girl being abused wrenched her heart, and a yell was cut short with death. Nina's stomach twisted in fear when a fighter jet exploded over head. The enemy was winning.

"Jess!" Nina's voice was hoarse and cracked. "Jess! Where are you?" Fear rose in the woman. Was he dead? Had he died in this rage, this war?

"Jess! Come back!" Nina was sobbing hysterically. Her starving body shuddered, and her eyes were filled with salty tears. "Jess!"

And then, she felt strong, powerful arms around her. She was now cradled in his arms. She looked in to the blue eyes, and strength came back to her. It was Jess.

"Jess", she moaned. Her black hair was dirty, and her clothes were torn. She looked at him with her round brown eyes. "Jess, help me."

And then, it was over. Faintly, she heard her beloved Jess call out to her. "Nina, don't die! Stay alive!" But Nina slipped into darkness, and a day later, she was joined by her husband.