Can’t Win Me Back

Jasper steadied his breath the moment he pushed the door open to Alyssa's hospital ward.

For some reason, he was feeling really nervous.

There was almost nothing that could ever unnerve him.

Other than Newton, Alyssa was the only other person who could make him feel disquieted.

A strange serenity filled the room, broken only by the faint hum of the medical equipment.

Alyssa was still awake.

She was sitting upright against the headboard.

Her gaze was fixed on the darkness outside the window; her face turned to the side as if lost in thought.

The new moon cast no light; there were no stars.

She seemed to be staring at nothing, into the endless pitch black.

Jasper froze in the doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sight of her.

His breath hitched in his chest.

This woman, once so full of optimism and light, now appeared fragile, defeated.

Her spirit seemed so broken that it felt as if a single touch could shatter her completely.

It wasn't until a few moments later that Alyssa seemed to notice his presence.

Slowly, she turned her head.

met

trembled slightly as she

muscles were tense, betraying her

a

somber as he asked, "Are you feeling better?"

which a cannula was inserted, tensed

your kind gesture." The image of Alyssa curling up pitifully

inexplicable ball of fury rose

He couldn't hold back.

keep trying to end your life, hurting yourself over and

whiter as if

will keep the promise I

spoke to her in a rather stern tone, perhaps out of that feeling of

pig-headed, possibly because she was still feeling

a rush to find someone." In acroaky voice, Alyssa asked, "Who?" The look in

hesitated, mulling over what he should

Someone who's very important tome." 1 Alyssa's lips curled into a bitter smile,

as she realized she shouldn't have

she been embarrassed enough? She used to be Jasper's most important

seemed, anyone else could easily pull his attention away, making it all too easy for him to break his promises and leave

placed the thermal flask at

continued, "It's not worth it for you to hurt yourself because of me."

foolish for you again." Her gaze dropped

destroyed, wishing for

it was all

the thermos flask

clenched her jaw, fighting back the tears as she struggled to flash Jasper a bright yet