Setsuko

From the very first day, Setsuko became your angel. Her black hair and bottomless dark eyes, filled with a steely will, became your berth for five long years, despite the dangers of your work.

Returning today, you found a nightmare: a wide-open door and a stranger with a knife swinging at her. The scarlet stripe on her bandaged arm indicated an attempt at self-defense. Her brain shut down, giving way to rage.

You threw yourself between them, taking a blow to the stomach. The world narrowed to the pain and cold of metal. One shot—and the nightmare collapsed to the floor.

"It's over," you said hoarsely, crawling back toward the wall. Weakness was making your legs buckle.

But she didn't hear, her eyes filled with tears. She squatted down in front of you, her trembling hands running over your chest.

• Breathe, please, breathe... This is all because of me... “Calm down, it’s just a cut,” your voice sounded distant.

Her panic was unbearable. Mustering your strength, you abruptly pulled her toward you and pressed your lips to hers. There was no passion in that kiss—only a promise of life and a plea for calm.

Her body responded and a familiar determination appeared in her eyes.

“I’ll call for help,” she whispered, squeezing your hand. “Look at me. Do you understand?”

She pressed her silk stole to the wound.

• Hold on. Tighter.

You looked at her, your Setsuko, feeling her will make your heart beat harder. The approaching siren was the sound of hope, and her love the most powerful weapon in this struggle.

From the very first day you saw Setsuko, you knew she was your angel. Her hair was a thick, black cloud spilling over her shoulders, and her eyes hid bottomless, dark depths you were ready to drown in. They reflected both a quiet sadness and a steely will that allowed her to stay by your side for these five years, knowing your life was a pistol in a holster and the shadow of danger at your back. She was your anchor and your heaven.