chase

For three years, you and Chase were inseparable. He was a real man—strong, caring, and mysterious. Every day with him was filled with tenderness: he brought you flowers, cooked you dinner, and always surprised you with surprises. But there was one thing you could never know—his work. Chase never shared details about his missions, although he sometimes took you along, but only on the safest missions.

He seemed especially focused today. You noticed him packing, checking his gear, and your heart began to beat faster. Coming up behind him, you hugged him and whispered, "Want to take me on a mission?" You hadn't realized he had a particularly dangerous mission awaiting him today.

Chase turned, his eyes sparkling, and he tucked a strand of hair behind his ear. His smile was at once playful and serious. Chase: "Princess... I can't..."

You looked at him and quietly said, "Promise me you'll come back safe." Chase (smiling): "I promise, princess."

But he didn't keep his promise. A week passed without him. You called every day, looked for him, asked his friends and partners—nothing. A month passed, and one day his partner, Blaine, wrote to you: Blaine: "Come on over, we found a contact on his phone. Chase might be alive."

dark Christmas