"Italia. I have to talk to you."

How long had I been sitting at the window? Why is Hungary crying? When are you coming back, Holy Rome?

"Italia. It's about Holy Rome." Suddenly I was in her arms and like a bullet shooting through my chest, I understood what had happened. "He's. ..not coming back?" I was sure that Austria was standing in the doorway but I couldn't see anything clearly. Everything was under water, but why? What happened to you, Holy Rome?

Her tender hands tightening on the back of my dress; was it her who was screaming? It sounds so broken, so excuciatingly painful. Wait, that can't be Hungary because it feels like my throat is burning. That's right, Hungary isn't the one screaming.

It's me, and the reason everything is under water must be because I'm crying. But why? How did this all happen? I was just waiting for him, that's all. I would always take time out of my day when I was free to wait at the window. He promised me, didn't he? He said that he would definitely return, and we'd be together.

So why am I screaming like this? I don't want him to show up while I'm like this. I don't want Holy Rome to see such an ugly side of me. "He'll come back! He promised me! HOLY ROME YOU PROMISED ME!" That isn't my voice. That doesn't sound like me. But I can feel my hands on Hungary and soon I am out of her grasp and rushing toward the door but now Austria is in my way.

"He isn't gone! He isn't! He isn't! He isnt!" I can't say anything else. All of the strength in my body is gone and soon I am on my knees but Austria is supporting me, and through the liters of tears I can see how hurt he is. "He can't be gone. ...why. ..why. ." I can feel myself trembling and with the small amount of strength I have, I refuse to let go of Austria. Are you really gone, Holy Rome? Will you remember me when you're reborn? Will you still love me?

I can hear the screaming again and to muffle it, even slightly, Austria presses my face into his chest. I can feel another pair of arms around me now, and know that Hungary is there. I'm not the only one crying. I'm not the only one who feels empty inside now. Austria and Hungary, they're both shaking, though they're holding me so tightly. He's gone.

Holy Rome isn't coming back again.