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.

eyes met his—deep,

as

muscles were tense, betraying her unease

stepped forward, holding a thermal flask in his

somber as he asked, "Are you feeling

in which a

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

inexplicable ball of fury

He couldn't hold back.

yourself over and over

grew even whiter as if the blood had drained from

I will keep the promise I

a rather stern tone, perhaps out

possibly because she was still

a rush to find someone." In acroaky voice,

hesitated, mulling over what he should

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

she realized she

She used to be Jasper's most important

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

next time." Jasper placed the thermal flask at the side of Alyssa's

not worth it for you to hurt yourself because of me."

anything foolish for you

completely destroyed, wishing for nothing but an escape from

eyes, it was all just something

opened the thermos flask and removed its

a deep voice, he said, "That's good to know." Alyssa clenched her jaw, fighting