PROLOGUE - April 1997
They lie there in the grass, the crisp spring air lapping against their skin. Their bodies are intertwined. She hums gently, her face buried in his chest. All is quiet. The sky above is the only witness to this moment.
"I love you."
He grasps her tighter. "I know. I love you, too."
"When this is all over, whatever happens, promise you'll still be there for me."
A gentle smile appears. "I promise."
She sighs and pushes herself up from his chest. Her fingers splay out across the soft wool of his vest. "We can just disappear when this is over. Say goodbye and go."
"However this ends, there will be no one left for me to say goodbye to."
She looks at him. He stares back. "Okay, then," she acknowledges. "That makes it easier."
"They'll miss you, you know."
"I know."
"You'll win in the end."
She remains silent. Her hands dig into his vest. The wool feels less soft now.
He continues, pressing, insistent. "And when you win they'll want you there beside them. And you won't be."
"I'll have said goodbye."
"It will have to be a very real one. You won't be able to go back. You'll be harbouring a wanted man. A fugitive. They won't understand. I won't be worth it."
"You will. I love you. That's why it will be worth it."
"Will you still disappear with me if He wins?"
There is a pause. "I don't know. I don't think I would be able to accept Him winning."
"I would fight with you then."
"Why not now?"
They both know why not.
They are falling into familiar patterns. These words have been said before. There is nowhere for either of them to go. They stumble forward the only way they can.
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
"I love you."
"I know."
"Marry me?"
"One day."
"When this ends?"
"The moment it ends."