Houston! Martin! Y’all are handling the mid-watch tonight,” our Captain barked at us right before we started getting ready for bed.

I nearly shot back a response, about to point out how unfair it was that Martin and I always seemed to be stuck with the crappiest watch times. But before I could open my big mouth, Martin grabbed me by the elbow and towed me away. He was a bit too proper for his own good if you asked me. Always following rules and kissing up to the Captain.

“Why do you always do what that old goon tells you to?” I asked once we were in the village.

“Because he’s my Captain, and it’s my duty,” he responded, sounding like an automaton.

I rolled my eyes. I had never been one to blindly follow orders like that.

We were quiet as we walked toward the jungle. Once we entered the tree line, we broke into a steady jog, our feet thumping against the treacherous terrain. After months of training, our eyes had grown accustomed to seeing at night, making it easier for us to organize ambushes and other specialized missions.

Soon enough, we arrived at our posts, relieving the current soldiers. Now, they were going to enjoy a full night’s sleep while we had to stand here all night, staring at the lightning bugs.

I hated watch duty.

Beside me, Martin looked like a statue. He held his gun across his chest, ready to use it at a moment’s notice. His stance was wide; his feet looked like they were rooted to the ground. Martin was a good soldier, there was no denying it, but sometimes, he was a little too perfect.

I assumed a similar position, but I just couldn’t focus. As I scanned the surrounding area, all I could think about was my brother. Was he somewhere out there, fighting for his life? Had he been captured by the enemy and kept as a prisoner? Was I holding on to false hope by looking for him all this time?

Ree-up!

A frog-like sound shot through the jungle. I knew that, in reality, the sound came from the Blue-eared Barbet bird calling out to its mate.

Ree-up!

A response came shortly after.

I detected movement in a nearby tree as the birds fluttered around, chasing one another through the foliage. I watched them for a moment before I noticed something glowing in the moonlight.

It was a white orchid, blooming at the base of the tree. Its white petals danced in the lazy wind.

The sight of it brought back memories I had never quite forgotten, but ones I had tried to keep under lock and key over the years.

* * *

She looked stunning. The most beautiful girl I had ever laid eyes on. Her white dress perfectly complimented her tan skin, making her look like a modern-day goddess.

To my surprise, she had actually taken my advice and left her hair down. Her natural curls flowed down her back, all the way to her tapered waist. Her golden highlights shimmered in the dying sunlight as I took her hand in mine, kissing it gently. “You look gorgeous…” I whispered, still feeling like I was stuck in some beautiful dream.

She giggled, the sound music to my ears. “You know I hate it when I blush…”

“I can’t imagine why. I think it’s adorable.” I ran my fingers along her cheek in a soft caress. She nuzzled into my hand, and I almost expected her to start purring like a kitten.

I felt like I wanted to take her into my arms and never let her go. To protect her from all of the evil in the world and preserve her innocence for all eternity.

“If you just keep staring at me like that, we’re never going to get to prom on time,” she said, poking my arm.

I chuckled. “I wouldn’t mind… as long as I still get to spend the night with you.” I winked, teasing her a bit. “But just one more thing before we go.” I grabbed the corsage I had been hiding and presented it to her.

She gasped, holding her hands up to her mouth.

I carefully opened the box, trying my best not to ruin the flower. My fingers were shaking with nervousness as I tied the ribbon around her wrist. It was probably no big deal, but in a way, I felt like this moment took our relationship a step further.

“It’s beautiful…”

“Not nearly as beautiful as you…” I whispered as I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her closer. Our faces gravitated together. She closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly to the right. I tilted mine to the left.

The second my lips touched hers, a deep warmth spread through my entire body.

She was the one.

The love of my life.

* * *

“You aren’t falling asleep on me, are you?” Martin’s voice broke me out of my trance. Her beautiful face disappeared from my vision.

“No… Just thinking.”

“You’ve been kind of distant all day. Care to talk about it?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but I think I saw someone I knew back at the village. A girl.”

Martin chuckled. “That’s impossible. You’re just horny, like the rest of us. Your mind is playing tricks on you.”

I shook my head. “I swear… I saw her.”

“What would she be doing here?”

“That’s what I can’t figure out.”

“If you ask me, it’s all in your head.”

Snap!

Our attention immediately shifted toward the sound, forgetting all about our conversation. We tightened our grips on our guns, giving each other silent signals before we stepped forward.

I kept my eyes peeled, scanning the area for any signs of movement.

Pure adrenaline surged through my veins.

At this time of night, the only people in the jungle were the enemy.