I touched his face. My hand trembled. Blood trickled down his cheek. His raven black hair brushed against my hand. Two stone blue eyes stared at me.
"Just close your eyes. You'll be alright." I stroked his face. He lifted his hand and touched my hand.
"Sophie." His voice was soft. "I'm a coward. I can't survive without you." His eyes were filled with fear, anxiety, sadness…
"Don't leave me here alone." He begged. "Calm down." I said.
"Why would I leave you?" I asked. Tears formed in his eyes.
"It's my fault. I got you into this horrible situation. If I hadn't become so attached to you that day…. You wouldn't be caught in the middle of a war." What was he saying?
"I'll never leave you alone." I said. I pulled his head to the crook of my neck and embraced him.
"Listen to me Howl." I said. "Just close your eyes. The sun is going down." He slowly relaxed. "You'll be alright. No one can hurt us now."
"Sophie." His voice was shaking. I felt my sleeve getting wet. He raised his head.
Tears streamed down his face, but his eyes were brave.
"Don't look out your window tonight. Everything is on fire. I'll be back, but the war will rage on."
He leaned in and softly put his lips on mine.
"You and I'll be safe and sound."