Louisa found it strange that she wasn't getting any letters from Paul. Admittedly, he was in the field, though, he sent a letter every two weeks at least. Three months had passed since the last letter. She mentioned this affliction to Michael when she wrote to her, and Michael quickly sought information.
Michael, once again, saw himself as the bearer of bad news. He took a deep breath. He wasn't at all satisfied with the fact that Paul would no longer be a rival. He was sorry for the end the poor boy had come to. Paul was someone Michael came to look up to, as he decided to go against everything and everyone in order to fight for Louisa, even though she never gave him any hint that she loved him. He even knew that she loved another.
What was worrying Michael the most was that Louisa had already gone through two terrible losses, and this one could be a very heavy blow. And the worst: he wouldn't be by her side.
