– Luna Helen

  While I was in the room, I heard the dull sound of something falling coming from the bathroom. It wasn’t loud, but it was enough to make my heart race.

  — Erick?

  I called out, already getting up and running toward it.

  The door was closed. There was no sound coming from inside. No answer. I started knocking—first gently… then desperately.

  — Erick, are you okay?!

  For a few seconds that felt far too long, there was no response at all.

  — Yes… yes.

  His voice came muffled. — I just slipped. You don’t need to worry.

  Hearing his voice, I felt the air return to my lungs. My hands were still shaking as I stepped away from the door.

  With everything that had happened recently, my nerves were stretched thin…

  Any sign out of place was enough to send me straight into panic.

  — Alright… — I replied, trying to sound calm. — Be careful…

  I stood there for a few moments, staring at the closed door, as if something might happen again.

  After Erick finished showering, he came out of the bathroom wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. I found it strange immediately.

  That wasn’t his usual clothing—especially considering the climate.

  — Are you okay?

  What’s with those clothes?

  He avoided my gaze for a second before answering.

  — I am. I’m just cold… I think I caught a cold.

  — …Alright.

  — Stop by the medical wing later if you think it’s necessary. I’ll be going there tomorrow. If you want to come with me…

  — No.

  He answered almost impulsively, then softened his tone.

  — No, I don’t think I need medicine right now.

  — Alright, then… get better.

  I watched as he walked away down the corridor. Something about that conversation didn’t add up. Everything screamed that something was wrong.

  That boy is hiding something from me…And I will find out what it is.

  —

  The next day, I went to the medical wing to speak with the current supervisor, Dr. John. The atmosphere there was heavy—different from the rooms I knew from university.

  There was no normalcy. Only containment, urgency, and fear disguised as routine.

  He reviewed my file carefully. I had placed second in medical school in almost every subject, every semester.

  It wasn’t arrogance—it was the truth. That had to be enough.

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  — Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t allow it — he said. — But given the current situation… any help is necessary.

  He shook my hand firmly and asked when I could start.

  — Today, tomorrow…

  I answered without hesitation.

  — As soon as possible.

  — Very well. Come back tomorrow. I’ll inform the rest of the team.

  — Thank you.

  I hesitated for a moment.

  — Ah… do you know Mrs. Lúcia?The nurse?

  — Yes…

  His expression changed, almost imperceptibly.

  — I do.

  — Is she okay? The incident in Sector One… she was there…

  He sighed before answering.

  — I’m sorry. I’m afraid she didn’t survive. Very few people made it out of that, and many of them…

  — Well, the situation is complicated.

  — I understand…

  I had already imagined the answer, but that didn’t make it any easier to hear.

  That kind woman, always smiling even on the hardest days… and so many others. Lives taken brutally, suddenly.

  I couldn’t get used to this. Maybe no one ever should.

  — I need to go now.

  — If you have any other questions, I can answer them tomorrow.

  — No, thank you. See you tomorrow…

  I left feeling as though a thick fog had settled in my chest. It was still there—heavy, suffocating… but I forced myself to keep moving forward.

  I couldn’t stop now.

  The next day came far too quickly.

  Before going to the medical wing, I went to Erick’s room. The bed was made, the space far too quiet. He had already left, leaving behind only a small note:

  “Today I start training.”

  I held the paper for a few seconds longer than I should have.

  I felt nervous.

  Erick had always liked the military. He deeply admired our father, following him to events, training sessions, and classes whenever he could.

  Even so, I couldn’t shake the tightness in my chest.

  Thinking about what we would face from now on… what he would face… made me uneasy.

  —

  20/12/2075

  – Luna Helen

  They wouldn’t stop coming.It was already the second week.Dead.Wounded.We were at the limit.I was at the limit.

  My hands trembled over yet another body.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder.It was Dr. John.His eyes were tired—not the common exhaustion of a long shift…

  It was something deeper, accumulated day after day.

  He said nothing for a few seconds. Just watched my shaking hands, then the body in front of me.

  — You need to stop. Go rest.

  — No… I’m fine. I can keep going.

  — This is not a request. It’s an order.

  You’ve saved more people today than anyone else here. If you keep this up, you’ll be another body in this room before night falls.

  — Besides, your brother’s squad just returned. Go see him. Make sure he’s alright.

  — Sir, but—

  — Go!

  — …Alright.

  —

  – Erick Helen

  We had just returned from another patrol.

  This time, there were few creatures. All low-grade, so we could deal with them without worrying about the miasma.

  We had only a few combat droids per squad. Many soldiers were protesting about sacrificing human lives—they didn’t understand what we might have to face…

  But I couldn’t judge them.Everyone was exhausted.

  Everyone… except me.

  I felt like I could keep going.Like I could do more.

  I had taken down more of those things than anyone else in the squad.

  While organizing the equipment, I heard the sound of the door opening.

  It was Luna.She looked terrible.Sunken, marked eyes. Shaking hands. Blood stains all over her clothes…

  Even so, when she saw me, she smiled.

  — Ah… you’re already back.

  Her voice was weak.

  — They told me your squad had returned.

  — Yes. I’ve been back for a few hours.

  She watched me for a moment.

  — And you… how are you?

  — Fine.

  — Just a little tired.

  — That’s good…

  — I’m going to take a shower.

  — Alright.

  I watched her walk away down the corridor.

  That scene deeply unsettled me, and I knew I needed to do something—to ease her burden.

  ?? Until next year.

  Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who read, commented, and supported this story.I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

  Beware of red mists and mysterious people.

  The story continues: 01/03/2026!