Alora McLean opens her eyes, finally freeing herself from the nightmares that tormented her all night long. She slowly pushes herself up and wipes away the sweat that is all over her forehead. Then she lets out a sigh.
Nine years and when would she ever be free of those memories that keep on haunting her in the form of nightmares?
There is a reason why being haunted by regret from the past is more excruciatingly painful than even physical wounds - it's because no matter how much one wishes to mend it, it is useless.
Covering her face with her palms for a while, Alora McLean glances around the small place where she is staying - her quarters in the base of the Ewaron Special Forces, the most elite Division of the Elentrus Army where she is currently serving. Then she glances at her wristwatch and suddenly springs up!
She is almost late for her meeting with the Commander!
She always wakes up early as a habit but maybe her latest mission was quite tiring for someone like her too. Not to mention that she and her team only returned to the base yesterday.
Alora quickly showers and does whatever is necessary before she puts on her uniform. The three stars which are proudly set on both her shoulders shine under the ray of sunshine that enters her quarters. As per the rule, she ties her long dark brown hair in a bun and covers it with a hairnet. Once she ensures that everything is done, she takes her beret cap that has the logo of the Ewaron Special Forces and wears it. Then she leaves her quarters.
*
The meeting with the Commander of the Ewaron Special Forces goes smoothly as usual but Captain Alora is tasked to submit a report about her recently concluded mission at the Headquarters. She is told that Lieutenant General (Lt. Gen.) Cohen Reid who is the one in charge of the Ewaron Special Forces specially asks for her.
After all, her team did a great job in wiping out the terrorist organization that caused a headache to the leader of their country for years.
Losing no time, Alora drives her red Lexus NX, which was gifted to her by her father when she was promoted to Captain a year ago. She reaches the Headquarters in no time and submits the report to Lt. Gen. Cohen who is full of praise for her.
The moment Captain Alora walks out of Lt. Gen. Cohen's office, she is approached by a familiar Major who must be in his 40s. Adjusting her posture, the Captain promptly salutes the Major.
"At ease, Captain Alora. The General wants to meet you. He is waiting in his office."
Captain Alora puts her hand down and firmly nods. "I understand."
She immediately follows the Major all the way to the General's office and once she enters, she salutes the General who is sitting on one of the couches.
"At ease, Captain. Come and have a seat."
The Major leaves the office and closes the door behind him, leaving Captain Alora alone with the highest-ranked soldier of the Elentrus Army.
"I met Lt. Gen. Cohen in the morning and he is full of praise for you," General Kenzo remarks once the Captain takes a seat opposite him. "Even the Defense Minister says that you might even become the first female General of our country one day."
"I've only served in the army for two years, sir," Captain Alora responds; maintaining a formal tone and demeanor all the time. "I think it's too early to say that."
"Those two years are what distinguishes an excellent soldier from average ones, Captain." The General's voice is calm but full of authority. Putting aside his rank, he possesses a formidable aura that would easily intimidate others. He then adds, "Don't be too modest. It can be harmful at times."
"I will keep that in mind," Alora McLean promptly responds.
For the first time, there is a little smile on the face of the General who must be in his mid-50s. "You've successfully completed missions back to back. How about a little rest?"
Meeting the General's gaze, Captain Alora observes him for a while and then frowns. "What is it this time, Father?"
The reaction on the face of his only daughter makes General Kenzo McLean chuckle. However, it is instantly followed by a sigh. "Do you even know how long it has been since you last come home?"
"How long?" Alora simply asks. All her formal demeanor is gone and there is even a hint of annoyance on her face.
"Four months and ten days," the General deadpans and Alora blinks!
Her father even counts the days?!
"You spend all your time in the base or doing some missions and I'm always alone at home," the powerful General complains with a sigh. "You're my only child. How can you do this to me?"
"I'm busy with work and as a soldier, I never fail you either." There is a playful smile on Captain Alora's face when she asks, "Shouldn't you be proud of me instead?"
"Of course, I'm proud of you," General Kenzo McLean promptly says and his eyes are the proof that he means every word he said. "But I also worried about you." He briefly pauses and the mirth in his eyes dies when he continues, "Whenever you are off for some dangerous missions, I'm always so worried that it makes me wonder if your mother felt the same while she was alive. You know I was rarely home when you were little."
Though Alora promptly recalls the days her father talked about, it is instantly followed by the day of her mother's passing; the day when she lost two of the most important people in her life. Maybe her father notices this, he quickly changes the topic.
"Rest for a week or two. It's been so long since you occupy your room in our house."
"Dad -"
"Just do it, Alora," General Kenzo McLean insists and lets out another sigh. "Take good care of yourself for once."
The Captain maintains her silence for a few seconds and then asks, "Is that an order as the General or my father?"
"Both."
Feeling helpless, Captain Alora sighs. Since she joins the army, her father is always great at cornering her in the name of an order!
"Alright," she finally utters in defeat. "Then will you please stop trying to pair me up with the Deputy Commander of my division, Father?"
"He is a great guy, Lora."
"I know," Alora McLean admits. "That's why I don't think I deserve him. Besides, it will be too awkward for me if I'm to date my superior. I have huge respect for him and I don't want to mix with something personal." There is a little yet playful smile on her face when she adds, "It's already hard enough to be the General's daughter."
General Kenzo McLean shakes his head and clicks his tongue at his daughter's words. "It seems like that smart brain of yours still works just fine," he points out and adds, "You've become so eloquent too."
He remains quiet for a while as if he were considering his daughter's request. Then he speaks up again. "I will only give you a break."
When the Captain opens her mouth, her father interrupts her by saying, "I understand how you think but Lieutenant Colonel (Lt. Col.) Killian is a good person, Alora; and he is very interested in you. I don't think you should let go of someone like him without even giving him a chance." He makes a deliberate pause and softly says, "It's been 9 years, my dear, and you're 25 now. Don't you think it's okay to let go of the past and move on?"
Like always, her father's voice is so warm and full of concern for her that it makes Alora struggle to turn him down. Ever since she lost two of the most important people in her life at the same time, her father is her everything and the one who is always there for her.
"Let me first enjoy the leave that you order," she says; a little smile across her face. "Then we can talk about other things later."
General Kenzo chuckles at how mischievous his daughter sounds. "Alright then. I look forward to seeing you at home, Captain."
Hearing him addressing her with her rank while talking about home brought a smile to Alora's face. "Noted, sir," she replies firmly yet playfully. She slightly leans towards her father and says, "Then you better be prepared. I will bother you nonstop during my leave."
This time, the General lets out a peal of laughter and remarks, "That would be my pleasure."