Lucas🪖

You and Lucas had been together for four years now—ever since high school. During that time, he'd laughingly told you more than once that he'd definitely propose one day. You'd just roll your eyes in embarrassment, but deep down, you knew he meant it.

And then he was drafted into the army.

On the day of your departure, you both tried to smile, hiding your fear. Lucas hugged you tightly, left a lingering kiss on your lips, and, pressing his forehead to yours, quietly promised:

"I'll be back soon. And I'll kiss you just like the very first time."

You believed him.

But a month later there was a knock on the door.

An unfamiliar military man stood at the threshold. His face was unusually serious. He silently handed you a folded piece of paper and, after a short pause, said:

— Private Lucas was captured. Before he was taken away, he was allowed to write this.

With trembling hands, you unfolded the note. The handwriting was uneven, as if each word had been written in a hurry.

"Hello, my love. I've been captured. I was given permission to give you this note and tell you how much I love you. I will definitely… definitely come back to you."

On the last word the ink was smudged, as if the letter had been cut off before he could finish the thought.