I couldnât believe John had the guts to defy Wesleyâs instructions. When he fired a shot in Christopherâs direction, I rushed over to his side, shrieking at the top of my lungs, âChris, watch out!â
My mind went completely blank as blood was all over my face the moment I heard the thunderous crack filling the desolate desert.
A few seconds later, Lyle ended up in my arms with blood gushing out of his injured chest. When he tried to say something, a mouthful of blood gushed out of his mouth.
The barely conscious man responded with a satisfied beam, snapping me out of bewilderment. âStay with me, Lyle! Youâre going to be fine! Weâll make it to the hospital soon! Iâll rush you to the hospital at once!â
His vital organs had sustained irrevocable injuries. There was no way he could make it out alive since we were in the middle of nowhere. Although I was certain he couldnât get the medical attention he required, I dragged him along with me.
âWe wonât make it in time!â Lyle remained stagnant in my arms and tried to caress my cheek, but he couldnât even move his hands anymore.
In the end, I grasped his hand and placed it on my cheek, assuring him as torrents of grief streamed down my cheeks, âStay with me! Youâre going to be fine! Grandma is still anticipating our return! Just pull yourself together and stay with me!â
âI-Iâm just glad youâre fineââ Lyle finished his sentence with a gentle grin just like the time he rushed to my rescue when I was on the verge of drowning at the age of eight.
He gasped out the things he had in mind with a smile the moment I regained consciousness shortly after he brought me back to the shore, âThankfully, youâre fine!â
âWhy? Why have you rushed to my rescue again?â I thought it was over for us since he was head over heels in love with Crystal. He wouldnât even think of me if she continued keeping him in the dark. Nonetheless, he rushed to my rescue in the nick of time.
âI-Iâm not sure as wellâI-It turns out I still have a thing for youââ
Once he finished his affectionate statement, he was about to pass out in my arms again. I could feel his limbs slowly turning frigid.
âLyle! Stay with me!â I repeated his name over and over again, hoping he would remain conscious until someone rushed to our rescue.
âDo you think Iâm a foolish man since I have given up on you for Crystal when sheâs merely trying to drive us apart?â
I wailed hysterically and assured him, âNo! Youâre the most exceptional man Iâve ever seen throughout my life!â
âYou need to stop lying since Iâm aware of the grudge youâre holding against me when I have brought upon nothing but your misery over the years. I wonder if reincarnation is truly a thing. If it is, can you promise to marry me in the future? Iâll do everything to keep you safe and happy.â
âS-Sure! If reincarnation is a thing, Iâll definitely find you and get married to you! Itâs a promise!â
âIâm pretty sure youâre lying again, but it doesnât really matter since it feels great. Can you do me a favor and hold me in your arms for one last time?â he continued with blood gushing out of his mouth, streaming all the way to my palm.
âLyle! Stay with me!â I couldnât figure out the reason the lives of those around me were constantly at stake when their safety was my sole concern.
âIâll see you when I see you againââ Lyleâs limbs drooped over his shoulders as he slowly passed out in my arms.
âLyle!â