Chapter 1
Third Person's POV
Halle Dolton had chased after Terence Bacchus for three years, in the end, Terence proposed to another woman..
The first time they met, the winds were fierce in Tanzania. He saved her from a poacher’s gun. She treated his gunshot wound.
“Don’t be scared, I’m the leader of Wildlife Conservation Team A,” he said.
“Don’t worry, I’m Halle Dolton, a doctor sent from Washington to aid Tanzania,” she replied.
Those were the first words they exchanged.
But the dream of love Halle had built was shattered by Terence himself.
Tired of chasing someone who didn’t care, she decided to let go. Yet after she left Tanzania, abandoning everything he had given her, he became the one unwilling to let go.
“It turns out the one who couldn’t live without the other… was me,” Terence murmured.
——
“Captain Howell, I want to apply for a transfer back to Washington,” Halle said.
The head leader, Cedric Howell, looked surprised. “Halle, have you talked to Captain Bacchus about this? You’re part of Team A, and he’s your direct supervisor. You’ll need his approval to leave.”
Would Terence disagree? Halle wasn’t so sure.
She turned her gaze to Terence, who lay unconscious in the hallway, hooked up to a blood transfusion. Seeing his sorry state, her expression turned solemn.
Half an hour earlier, Halle had faced the most critical situation of her time in Tanzania. Terence had just returned from a mission chasing poachers in the wilderness at an altitude of over 4,600 meters. He had been shot multiple times, with deep wounds across his shoulder and back, bleeding profusely. Now, he was unconscious.
However, aside from him, another person was carried back, too—Darlene Benson, the deputy leader of Zone A. She had been shot in the leg, her face pale from blood loss, and she was trembling from shock.
When Terence had regained consciousness and saw the latter, his trembling hand immediately grabbed Halle’s arm, leaving streaks of blood on her white coat.
“Take my blood for her,” he muttered weakly.
He was insane. His injuries were far worse than Darlene’s. If they drew blood from him now, he might not survive.
On that note, Halle firmly refused, “We can't do that.”
Unwilling to give up, Terence had turned to the medical staff nearby to insist on his request. As Halle did, they also frowned at him and tried to dissuade him, but he wouldn’t listen.
“Halle, this isn’t the time for stubbornness or jealousy. If something happens to Darlene, you’ll have to take responsibility for it,” Terence snapped.
His usually warm eyes were now cold and piercing as he glared at her, his tone sharp and unyielding. He was furious—for Darlene.
Just then, Darlene intervened and tugged lightly on Terence’s arm, signaling him to calm down. She had always been his anchor; no matter the situation, a simple gesture from her could soften him.
“Halle, don’t mind him,” Darlene said gently. “He’s just being reckless again. I’m sorry for the trouble he’s causing.”
Halle had shifted her gaze from Terence to Darlene, forcing a small, strained smile. “It’s fine. I’ve already arranged for blood to be sent from the supply station. It’ll arrive soon.”
Still, Terence wasn’t satisfied. His frustration had flared as he covered Darlene’s icy hand with his own.
“That’s not good enough. Her hands are freezing—it’s a sign of severe blood loss.” As Terence had said that, he had swiftly grabbed the syringe from Halle’s hand and drew his own blood, ignoring her protests.
However, as the needle was still in his arm, his body had given out. Yet before losing consciousness completely, he mumbled, “We’re both type A. She can use my blood.” After that, he collapsed onto the floor, unconscious, but his hand never let go of Halle’s arm.
For the first time, the calm and composed Terence revealed a fragile side, his face etched with worry and vulnerability.
They were a perfect match—in dreams, in their hometowns, and even in blood type.
With that thought in mind, Halle’s fists clenched tightly, her pale knuckles and the crescent-shaped indentations on her palms betraying her inner turmoil.
Chapter 2
Third Person's POV
Halle pulled her gaze away from Terence and gave a faint laugh. “He agreed. In fact, he can’t wait for me to leave. Just sign off on the transfer, Captain Howell.”
Cedric let out a sigh and shook his head. “Halle, Terence’s temper is just like that. He doesn’t mean it personally. But if you leave, will you ever come back? And… what about him? Are you really going to leave him behind?”
Halle stayed silent.
Three years had already passed. Her mind wandered back to the day she first met Terence. It was a bitterly cold May in the eastern region, with the raindrops directly hitting the plains. On her very first day of the job providing medical support in Tanzania—a short-barreled gun was pressed to her head. Beside her was another man holding a gun as well.
At first, she thought they were working together—both poachers. But then the man fired his weapon, and blood sprayed into the air. Before she could even get a hold of everything happening around her, she was pulled into his arms for protection.
“Don’t be scared. I’m the leader of Wildlife Conservation Team A,” he said.
Through the fierce rain and wind, with a bullet lodged in his shoulder, Terence carried her—sprained ankle and all—back to the camp.
That was the first time Halle performed a rescue operation. When she reached for the wound on his shoulder, he suddenly stopped her.
“Don’t worry. I’m Halle Dolton, a doctor from Washington sent to aid Tanzania,” she reassured him.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want him anymore; it was that he had never wanted her in the first place.
For three years, she had openly loved him, but he acted like he didn’t notice. Her every effort, every step closer, had been met with rejection. Whenever she moved forward, he always retreated.
Reluctantly, Captain Howell signed off on her transfer request.
Just two weeks—she had only two weeks left before she would leave this place. A place that had caused her so much pain. A place where she would finally leave Terence behind.
“Halle!”
She had just stepped out of Captain Howell’s office when a familiar, cheerful voice called her name. Turning around, she saw Darlene approaching. With a warm smile, Darlene draped an arm over Halle’s shoulder.
“Don’t take what happened this morning to heart,” Darlene said lightly. “Terence has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. He wasn’t really mad at you. He just…” Darlene trailed off.
'Just what?' Halle thought. 'Just care too much about your injury?' she bitterly continued inwardly.
Realizing she might have said too much, Darlene gave Halle’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t dwell on it. Let’s go enjoy the scenery and clear our heads. Everything will work out.”
The eastern landscape was breathtaking, but the weather changed quickly. By afternoon, the clear skies had given way to falling snow.
The cold wind swept through, and Darlene, still recovering from her gunshot wound, began to look pale and unsteady. Seeing that, Halle quickly reached out to help her walk back to the camp.
However, just as she turned, she saw Terence striding toward them, his face dark with anger. Before she could ask about his injuries, he pushed her aside, making her stumble a few steps.
He grabbed Darlene by the arm, steadying her, and then cast a cold glance at Halle. His tone was distant, as usual, as he snapped, “You call yourself a doctor? Don’t you know someone recovering from a gunshot wound shouldn’t be exposed to cold?”
Darlene frowned at his accusation and was about to speak, but Terence cut her off and guided her back toward the camp.
Meanwhile, Halle stood frozen, her chest tightening painfully as she struggled to catch her breath. The biting cold wind stung her face, and her nose turned red from the cold. Blinking away the tears in her eyes, she sniffled hard and turned to follow them back.
By the time they returned, the sun had already dipped behind the mountains, painting the ground a golden hue.
Inside the cabin, someone paced near the table, their shadow blurred in the dim light. Even without seeing his face, Halle knew it was Terence.
With her coat somehow wet with the mist of the cold air outside, she stepped in and met Terence’s scrutinizing gaze.
“Ridiculous. Wandering around in the snow all afternoon,” he muttered, his tone exasperated before he turned and headed upstairs.
Left alone, Halle noticed the steaming cup of coffee on the wooden table. She sat down and drank it slowly until warmth returned to her body.
Doing so, memories from the past surfaced unbidden, filling her heart with a dull ache.
Chapter 3
Third Person's POV
Three years ago, she had stood in this very place. Back then, everything about Tanzania had been new and fascinating to her. She would often wander through the mountains and lose herself in the scenery.
But the weather in the region was unpredictable, and heavy rain quickly turned the world into swamp, obscuring landmarks and directions.
One day, she had walked alone through the mountain for hours, unable to find her way back to camp. It wasn’t until midnight that Terence, with a flashlight in hand, found her drenched in the valley.
After that incident, Terence insisted she learn navigation skills, but no matter how hard she tried, the techniques were too complicated for her to grasp.
Finally, in exasperation, Terence made her a custom compass. It wasn’t just a compass—it had a built-in tracker and an alarm. “Whenever you’re lost, just press the red button, and I’ll come find you,” he’d said.
Halle set down the empty cup in her hand and moved closer to the fire, letting the warmth seep into her. Before she realized it, she had dozed off at the wooden table, her hand still clutching the compass that hung around her neck.
Soon, the sound of cheering woke her. She stirred groggily and noticed a coat had been draped over her shoulders. But as she sat up, it slipped to the floor. So, she picked it up and then left it on the chair.
Stepping outside, she saw fireworks lit up the night sky, drawing bursts of excitement from the crowd gathered there.
Not long after, Darlene spotted her and immediately pulled her into the celebration. “Come on, have some barley wine and enjoy the fireworks with us!” she invited, her voice filled with enthusiasm.
“It’s a party for Terence,” Darlene explained, pouring her a drink. “This mission couldn’t have succeeded without him.”
The haze of confusion in Halle’s mind cleared instantly. She then felt Terence’s gaze from across the crowd and turned to meet his eyes.
But just as their gazes locked, Terence raised his cup, looked away, and downed his drink. He always avoided her like this. He’d been like that for years.
She thought back to the man who once taught her how to navigate by the stars, took her to see the beauty of the mountains, and crafted a one-of-a-kind compass just for her.
Two years ago, on her last day of service in Tanzania, she had hoped things between them might change.
They’d stood together beneath a sprawling sky full of stars. In the distance, the mountains glittered in the moonlight, and the faint sound of grazing sheep filled the air. Terence had been explaining the path of that night’s meteor shower when she turned to him.
“Terence,” she’d said softly, “I’m not leaving.”
She remembered clearly how the light in his eyes dimmed.
“Why would you stay here?” he replied firmly. “This is no place for a young woman. Go back while you can.”
But she saw through his words and reached for his hand. “I want to stay with you. I want us to be together.”
But to her surprise, he shook her hand off and turned away, leaving her with nothing but his back.
“I’m not gonna be with you. Don’t even think about it,” he said without a hint of hesitation.
From that moment on, it was as if a wall had risen between them.
He became a door she could never open, a hand that always slipped from hers, a conversation that was cut short before it could begin. He avoided her gaze like it was a burden he didn’t want to carry.
Just then, a sudden noise snapped her back to the present, and only then did he feel a lightness around her neck. She instinctively reached for her compass—only to find it missing.
Her eyes darted down, and there it was, lying at her feet. But she saw the needle had stopped moving. She knelt quickly to pick it up, but a dancer in the crowd accidentally stepped on her hand, grinding sand into her scraped skin. The sting quickly shot up her arm.
Before she could react, a large hand reached down and picked up the compass.
Startled, she looked up to see Terence standing right in front of her, his face closer than she expected.
Suddenly, a wave of frustration surged through her chest. Maybe it was anger at his recklessness the day before, or the way he had unfairly scolded her earlier that morning. Maybe it was the way he had just avoided her gaze at the celebration—or maybe it was the barley wine amplifying her buried grievances.
Without thinking, she snatched the compass out of his hand.
Chapter 4
Third Person's POV
Terence frowned as he looked at Halle, his tone softening slightly. “It’s broken. Let me fix it, and I’ll give it back to you.”
His gaze then dropped to the scraped skin on the back of her hand. Impulsively, he grabbed her wrist. “What happened to your hand?”
But Halle quickly pulled her hand back, her eyes tinged red with unshed tears. “It’s none of your business,” she snapped, her voice trembling. “Both in compass and me, don't bother anymore. I’m done being a burden to you.”
Hearing her sharp words, a flicker of surprise flashed across Terence’s face. Something about her was different today—off.
This wasn’t the same Halle who quietly endured his scolding that morning, nor the one who usually sought his help. This Halle was resolute, even distant.
After a brief pause, Terence let out a cold laugh, tossing a dismissive comment over his shoulder as he walked away. “Halle, playing hard to get won’t work on me.”
Watching his retreating back, Halle clenched her teeth in exasperation. Hot tears then rolled down her cheeks, landing audibly on her jacket. She quickly turned away and forced herself to blend into the lively celebration around her.
What she didn’t see was Terence, now back inside, lingering by the window. He watched her for a long time before picking up the neatly folded jacket she had left on the chair and taking it back to his room.
Before long, the alcohol finally wore off, but Halle’s head remained heavy. Before she knew it, she had fainted right outside Terence’s door.
When she woke up, her face was flushed with fever, and she was lying in Terence’s bed. He sat nearby with a dark expression and faintly red eyes.
Just then, a knock at the door broke the tense silence. Terence quickly composed himself and opened the door to Darlene.
“Terence, we’ve got news about the poachers who escaped last time,” she said urgently.
As such, Terence unhesitatingly shut the door behind him and left with Darlene.
Alone in the room, Halle sat up and felt her throat dry and her mind hazy. Glancing around the room, she realized she was in Terence’s private quarters, a place she hadn’t stepped into for a long time.
Shortly, her eyes landed on the wooden table by the bed, where her compass sat. But it was now fully repaired. Seeing it, she couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh.
'What's this supposed to mean? Scold me one moment, then make me something special the next? Is this his way of balancing things out?' she scoffed inwardly.
Despite her thoughts, she still hung the compass back around her neck and got out of bed to look for him.
As she reached the door, she heard voices just outside. She stopped midway and pressed her ear against the wood.
“Have you thought this through?” Darlene asked, her tone laced with hesitation. “This is a lifelong decision. You can’t make it lightly.”
“Don’t worry,” Terence replied, his voice steady. “Once this is done, nothing will change between us. I’ll never let anything happen to you.”
The words hit Halle like a bucket of icy water. Her body stiffened and her hands and feet turned cold.
'They must be talking about marriage,' Halle assumed mentally. 'So, the rumors in the team were true. They're indeed not just colleagues.'
Halle thought Terence had been avoiding her not just because of work, duty, or the harsh environment, he simply didn’t love her.
Because if he’d wanted to, he could have overcome any obstacle. But he didn’t.
Suddenly, the door swung open, and Halle was startled. She quickly turned and pretended to search through the drawers.
But before she could open one, Terence stormed in, blocking her path and grabbing her wrist.
“What are you doing?” he snapped, his face a mix of shock and anger. “Who gave you permission to go through my things? Get out!”
His sudden outburst stunned Halle. Her throat tightened, and she swallowed back the tears threatening to spill. Without a word, she turned and stormed out of the room.
Darlene, watching the scene unfold, hurried after her. “Halle!”
In no time, Darlene found Halle by a small pond, her eyes red and swollen from crying.
One advantage of living in Tanzania was that when you needed to cry, you could run off into the wilderness. Out there, no one would see your tears.
Chapter 5
Third Person's POV
This was Halle's go-to move, and it always worked—until today, when Darlene finally found her.
Hearing the approaching footsteps, Halle turned toward the sound and saw Darlene walking toward her, holding a compass. Their eyes met, and Halle saw a flash of relief on Darlene’s face.
As Darlene got closer, Halle’s gaze shifted to the object in her hand. Her breath caught. That compass—it was identical to hers.
Instinctively, Halle touched the one hanging around her neck, but it was still there.
As realization dawned on her, a bitter laugh escaped her lips, her thoughts heavy with self-mockery. 'So it wasn’t one of a kind,' she figured.
Darlene reached her, ruffled her hair, and sat down beside her like she was comforting a child.
“Don’t cry anymore,” Darlene said softly. “Terence’s temper hasn’t changed in ten years.”
Her voice was calm, almost nostalgic. “But it’s that sharp, relentless nature of his that’s gotten him to where he is today.”
Halle blinked in surprise. 'Ten years?'
She hadn’t known they’d known each other for that long. She thought Darlene had only rejoined the team last year, brought in as a newly appointed officer. She hadn’t realized she was an old friend of Terence’s.
The silence between them lingered as Halle’s thoughts raced. Her eyes wandered to Darlene, who was staring at the compass in her hand, lost in thought.
“What’s that…?” Halle hesitated, unable to suppress her curiosity. The compass seemed to gleam mockingly under the moonlight, almost bringing tears to her eyes.
Darlene snapped out of her reverie and smiled, a look of fondness crossing her face. “This? This is my treasure. It’s been with me for ten years.”
'Ten years. Again,' Halle flatly thought.
The realization hit her like a punch. The compass she’d been cherishing wasn’t unique. It was just a replica of one Terence had made a decade ago.
All his talk about a “custom-made, one-of-a-kind” gift? It turned out they were just lies. She shouldn’t believe a single word from him anymore.
As Darlene casually toyed with her compass, Halle instinctively hid hers beneath her clothes, as if shielding a counterfeit from being exposed.
She then looked at Darlene and a mix of admiration and resignation filled her chest.
The night deepened and the moonlight fell softly on Darlene’s face, giving her a serene and graceful aura.
'What a perfect match they make,' Halle complimented bitterly in her heart.
One was like a hawk—bold, fierce, and unstoppable, while the other was like moonlight—calm, steady, and quietly strong.
The thought spilled from Halle’s lips before she could stop it. “Captain Benson, you and Terence… you’re like a match made in heaven.”
Darlene laughed upon hearing the latter, her eyes crinkling with warmth. “We’ve known each other for over a decade. I know him inside and out. We were comrades-in-arms. Of course, we seem compatible.”
She paused, then added with a smile, “If there’s anything you want to know about Terence, feel free to ask me.”
The words stung more than Halle expected. Her ears burned as a wave of heat swept through her.
'It's crystal clear that they love each other. Darlene’s so kind and understanding as well. What reason do I have to hold on anymore? Just one more week, Halle,' Halle thought to herself.
In seven days, she’d leave this place without looking back. It would be her way of giving them her blessing—and finding her own freedom.
Her life had been stuck in limbo because of Terence for three years. It was now time to get back on track.
“By the way,” Darlene interrupted her thoughts. “Do you want to hear about Terence when he first joined the team? Back then, he was even more intense than he is now. Poor Captain Howell could barely handle him.”
Halle hesitated, her mind screaming at her to disengage, to stop letting herself get dragged into anything involving Terence. The less she knew, the easier it would be to move on.
But her body betrayed her, refusing to move. Instead, her head nodded ever so slightly.
Darlene smiled knowingly and began recounting the past, her voice tinged with fondness.
“When Terence first joined, he was just a rookie, but he had this unshakable energy about him. He was ambitious, a bit cocky, and had a perfectionist streak a mile wide. If there was a chance to take first place, he wouldn’t settle for second. Honestly, his arrival saved the rest of us a lot of effort. Captain Howell even said he was a natural talent, someone with real potential.”
She paused, her expression turning more serious. “But then came his first real mission. He pushed himself too hard, got severely injured, and had to be carried back. That’s when Captain Howell realized Terence’s relentless drive could end up costing him his life.”
Chapter 6
Third Person's POV
Halle’s expression shifted to disbelief.
A young man in his early twenties charging headfirst into danger, even when faced with bullets, defying every instinct of self-preservation—it seemed unreal, almost inhuman.
But Darlene’s next words unraveled the mystery.
“That boy,” Darlene said, “had nothing but hatred in his eyes when he looked at those poachers.”
Her voice softened as she continued, “Later, we found out it was tied to something from his childhood. Terence once had a pet dog named Lucy. After his parents divorced, it was just the two of them, relying on each other to get by.”
With a sad smile, she continued, “He was malnourished back then—thin, pale, and an easy target for bullies at school. One day, those bullies set their sights on his dog and when it was finally found, it was already too late.”
Darlene paused, her tone heavy. “Terence told us those poachers are no different from those cruel people. To him, they’re monsters who deserve nothing but death.”
A cold wind swept past them, but Halle’s heart felt warm.
So that’s why Terence threw himself into this dangerous line of work with such reckless abandon. She’d been wrong. Someone as brilliant and driven as him wouldn't stop for her.
The realization stung, but it also brought clarity.
Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind. She turned to Darlene and asked, “Captain Benson, you keep saying ‘we.’ Who’s the ‘we’ you’re talking about?”
Before Darlene could answer, Terence’s voice sliced through the stillness of the night, startling them both.
“Halle!”
Halle barely had time to react before Terence grabbed her arm, his eyes flashing with a warning.
“Don’t ask questions you shouldn’t,” he said coldly. “You don’t need to know about these things.”
Quickly, Darlene stepped forward and positioned herself between them. She shook her head gently and said, “It’s all in the past, Terence. It’s fine. Halle isn’t an outsider anyway.”
But Terence’s gaze was sharp, like an arrow tipped with barbs. The look he gave her pierced her heart, and when he finally turned away, it left a chill behind.
His message was clear: Halle was an outsider to him.
Those shared memories, the history between them—they weren’t hers to know.
The days passed quickly. Each morning, Halle buried herself in sorting through her belongings.
With only three days left before her departure, it was time to decide what to keep and what to leave behind.
Her hands then paused over a bracelet. The wooden beads shimmered faintly in the light, and a wave of nostalgia washed over her. She’d gotten it when she first came to Tanzania, a blessing for safety and smooth journeys.
She’d bought two, hoping the red thread connecting them would symbolize a bond. One was hers, the other she’d given to Terence.
But she’d never seen him wear it.
After a long moment of hesitation, Halle sighed and slipped the bracelet back onto her wrist.
'Forget it. I paid for it, didn’t I? I’ll wear it for the blessing, nothing more. The whole ‘red thread of fate’ thing doesn’t matter—he never wore his anyway. What difference does it make if I wear mine alone?' she decidedly concluded in her head.
Just then, a sudden memory struck her—she’d made a wish to wishing well once. Before leaving, she needed to fulfill it.
Driving to the wishing well, she was startled to see Terence there as well.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her tone sharp as their eyes met.
“I should be asking you that,” he replied, his brows furrowing slightly.
“I’m here to make a wish,” she snapped, brushing past him.
His hand instinctively moved to the bracelet hidden beneath his sleeve. Anxiety flickered in his chest.
“What wish?” he asked, his voice low.
Terence knew the last time she’d made a wish here, it had been for their relationship—to pray for a bond that would last forever.
Ignoring him, Halle tossed a coin, closed her eyes, and bowed her head in silent prayer.
The wind tugged at her hair, scattering it around her face. Seeing it, Terence found himself unable to look away, mesmerized by the quiet determination etched into her features.
In her heart, Halle whispered, 'I wish Terence a life of peace and happiness. May he and Captain Benson find their happily ever after.'
When she opened her eyes again, she noticed Terence watching her intently.
But she didn’t stop to acknowledge him. Turning on her heel, she started walking away.
Before she could take more than a few steps, Terence reached out and grabbed her wrist.
Chapter 7
Third Person's POV
“Why are you running away?” Terence asked.
Halle sighed, her breath swirling in the cold mist.
“I’ve already made a wish. Why wouldn’t I leave?” she stated as a matter-of-factly.
Terence frowned, his expression stiff. There was a hint of uncertainty in his voice as he asked, “Aren’t you curious about my wish?”
Halle shook her head and looked at him with a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Terence, you’re not that important to me. Also, you don’t have to worry. I won’t bother you anymore.”
The tension between them, sharp and unyielding like two locked blades, lingered long into the evening.
Outside, several large tables were set up for a grand feast. A local ethnic dance troupe had even been invited to perform.
As Halle and Terence entered the camp, they bumped into Darlene, who was carrying a bowl and a spoon.
The lively atmosphere caught Halle off guard.
“What’s going on out there? Why’s it so lively?” she asked, still trying to process the scene.
Terence opened his mouth to explain, but before he could say a word, Halle grabbed Darlene’s arm and dragged her outside.
“Captain Benson, tell me what’s happening!”
Darlene chuckled, freeing one hand to playfully tap Halle on the forehead.
“You and Terence had another fight, didn’t you? Is that why you’re sulking?”
Halle stayed silent for a moment, her smile fading into something more bitter. “Just tell me what’s going on.”
“Look over there,” Darlene said, gesturing with her chin.
Halle followed her gaze to see a group of young people in white coats stepping out of an SUV.
“It’s the new batch of volunteer doctors,” Darlene explained. “Every year, a new group comes to help in Tanzania. Some volunteer out of passion, others to boost their careers. But not many stay beyond a year because of the hard conditions here.”
Halle nodded knowingly. Life in Tanzania was no joke. Even basic things like taking a shower were a challenge as one had to draw water first before one could do so. Also, at night, one couldn't sleep deep due to the massive population of mosquitoes around.
Yet she had endured these for three years.
Perhaps her love for Terence had burned so brightly that it dulled the hardship, making her believe that as long as she could see him, life felt sweet despite the bitter hardships.
After dinner, Halle ran back to her room, carefully cradling something in her hands. She rushed to find Darlene and presented her with a handmade Maasai beaded ornament—a traditional symbol of blessings for love and unity, often given at weddings, rituals, and community events in Tanzania.
Holding her present, she gratefully said, “Captain Benson, thank you for taking care of me these past few years. You made this camp feel like a warm, welcoming home.”
Darlene’s eyes sparkled as she accepted the gift. “Well, aren’t you sentimental all of a sudden?”
She smiled warmly but wondered, 'Is this meant for this kind of occasion?'
Before Darlene could say more, Terence appeared out of nowhere. His eyes landed on the knot, and his expression was unreadable.
“Why does she get a gift?” he asked. “Where’s mine?”
His words felt like a dagger, striking Halle squarely in the heart.
He knew how she felt about him, yet he still said something so cruel. Asking her for a Maasai beaded ornament—a blessing for happiness in love—felt like forcing her to acknowledge his relationship with someone else.
Tears pricked her eyes as she stood up, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion.
“Fine! I’ll prepare your gift too,” she choked out before turning and walking away. Her clenched fists trembled, a clear sign of the storm she was holding back.
Behind her, Darlene’s voice broke through the silence, scolding Terence.
“What’s wrong with you? That poor girl gave me a gift to express her gratitude, and you just had to come in and ruin it. Now she’s upset because of you! Can’t you read the room for once?”
Terence snorted, crossing his arms. “Ungrateful brat. Who’s helped her the most around here? Me! So what if I ask for a gift?”
His tone carried a petulant edge, almost like a childish complaint.
Listening to Terence’s almost teasing rebuttal, Halle felt her chest tighten. It was as if the air had been sucked out of her lungs.
Chapter 8
Third Person's POV
The conversation outside her room felt like a private exchange between lovers, with Halle as the unintentional third wheel.
She had never seen Terence like this before. Normally, he was all sharp edges—a constant frown and cold, unfeeling eyes. She had grown used to that version of him, believing he treated everyone the same.
But seeing him now, with his guard down around Darlene, was jarring.
It was clear that when people truly care for someone, they drop the pretense, exposing their most vulnerable selves. And Terence had made it abundantly clear who held his heart.
There were only two days left now. Tomorrow, Halle would leave Tanzania for good.
She glanced at the small gift box holding the Maasai beaded ornament she had spent the night stringing. A pang of sadness welled up inside her.
A sudden knock at the door broke her thoughts.
When she opened it and met Terence’s gaze, she instinctively hid the box behind her back.
This was the first time in two years he had come to her door.
Terence’s eyes swept the room, landing on the scattered clothes atop her bed. His heart suddenly clenched.
“Why are you packing?” he asked, a trace of unease in his voice.
Halle bit her lip and forced a smile. “You don’t need to worry about that. Your focus should be on Captain Benson and whatever plans you two have. Don’t waste your energy on me.”
Terence raised an eyebrow, surprised. “You already know? I wanted to surprise you,” he admitted with a smile.
That smile struck Halle like a blow.
Was news of his marriage to Captain Benson supposed to be a surprise for her?
The joy on his face was unmistakable as if he couldn’t wait to tell the world how happy he was. His cruelty wasn’t just in the announcement—it was in the way he delivered it, leaving no room for doubt or hope.
As such, her resolution solidified. By tomorrow, she would be gone, and none of this would matter anymore. It would just be a dream—a bittersweet, fleeting dream.
Steeling herself, Halle brought the gift box out from behind her.
But before she could say anything, Terence’s phone rang. He turned away to take the call, his expression shifting the moment he answered.
The voice on the other end was urgent. “Captain Bacchus, Captain Benson’s leg wound is infected. She’s in a lot of pain and can’t move. She might not be able to go on the mission.”
Terence’s brow furrowed deeply. “I’ll be there right away.”
Hearing this, Halle tucked the gift box into her pocket, grabbed the medical kit, and marched to the door.
“What are you waiting for? Let’s go!” she called over her shoulder.
Terence, momentarily stunned, quickly followed her.
After some basic treatment, the infection seemed under control.
“She shouldn’t move for now,” Halle advised the surrounding team members.
On the bed, Darlene tried to sit up despite the pain, her forehead slick with sweat.
“That won’t work,” she said firmly. “The poachers are set to move at dawn. We need to prepare our ambush this afternoon.”
Terence’s expression darkened as he snapped, “You’re staying here to recover. That’s an order!”
His frustration was palpable, his tone brooking no argument.
For the first time, Halle noticed the thin sheen of sweat on Terence’s forehead, despite the cold wind. It wasn’t from exertion but worry—a side of him she rarely, if ever, saw.
Darlene, however, was less than pleased with his decision. The two of them began arguing fiercely, their voices rising.
Eventually, Terence ordered everyone out of the room—including Halle.
Halle lingered outside, clutching the gift box in her pocket as she paced nervously.
The shouting stopped after a while. Curious, Halle peeked through the window.
Inside, Terence was gently wiping sweat from Darlene’s brow, his face etched with worry and tenderness.
It was a stark contrast to the Terence she knew.
Not when she was held at gunpoint during their first meeting. Not when she got lost in the mountains, drenched and terrified.
The Terence she saw now was someone entirely different—a man who showed his care openly, without reservation. But it was the care that was never meant for her.
Chapter 9
Third Person's POV
Terence always seemed so composed.
Halle once thought it was because his job had trained him to handle anything with unshakable calm. But now, she realized it wasn’t composure—it was indifference.
After all, when you truly love someone, how can you remain so unbothered?
Lowering her gaze, she couldn’t bear to watch the sweetness unfolding inside the room any longer.
Quietly, Halle placed the small gift box on the wooden table by the door.
Inside were two things: the Maasai beaded ornament she had strung as a blessing for him and a goodbye note tucked beneath it. The note carried only a single sentence: [Terence, I’m leaving. I wish you happiness, and I hope we never meet again.]
Originally, she had planned to give it to him the day she left. But now, today felt like their true farewell as Terence was on a mission that afternoon and likely wouldn’t return anytime soon.
The sun was low in the sky, casting a golden hue, by the time someone picked up the box.
Terence smiled as he recognized it—he’d seen Halle holding it before. It was probably the gift he had jokingly pestered her for.
Before he could open it, the sharp sound of a car horn interrupted him.
“Captain Bacchus! Get in the car! We’re running out of time!”
Glancing at the carefully wrapped box, Terence gently slipped it into the inner pocket of his coat, making sure it stayed clean and untouched by dust.
Hidden behind a tree, Halle watched him leave, letting out a quiet sigh as tears streamed down her face.
“Goodbye, Terence,” she whispered.
This was likely the last time she would ever see him.
Tanzania to Washington was thousands of kilometers apart—a distance too great to cross again. Once missed, it would be forever.
Wiping away her tears, Halle turned and walked back toward the camp. On her way, she ran into a group of newly arrived support doctors.
“Dr. Dolton!” one of them called out excitedly. “Could we get your autograph? We both came here because of you!”
Halle froze, caught off guard.
“Me?” she asked, pointing to herself in disbelief.
“Of course!” they gushed. The two normally serious doctors had transformed into starstruck fans.
“Your three years of service here in Tanzania have been such an inspiration. Your story is posted on our university’s honor board—and even made it onto social media a few times! And everyone online is obsessed with your love story with Captain Bacchus!”
Hearing that, Halle managed a faint smile, though she could feel how bitter it was. She accepted the pen they handed her and signed her name on their white coats.
“Thank you, Dr. Dolton! We’ll treasure this forever!” they said, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
Seeing how thrilled they were, Halle couldn’t bring herself to tell them she was leaving soon. She didn’t want to dampen their enthusiasm for volunteering in Tanzania.
If only they knew—she wasn’t as strong or brave as they imagined.
When Halle returned to the camp, Captain Howell stopped her.
“Halle!” he called out. “Your transfer application was approved. You can start packing.”
She turned to accept the papers he handed her, meeting his slightly regretful gaze.
“Oh, come on, Captain Howell,” she said, patting his shoulder in a playful attempt to lighten the mood. “It’s not like we’ll never see each other again. Don’t get all sentimental on me!”
Captain Howell, one of the first people to join the station, was now an older man with graying hair that reflected his years of dedication.
“Will we, though?” he muttered softly, almost to himself. Then he shook his head. “Anyway, thank you for sticking it out here for three years. It’s not an easy life,” he said with a sigh. “Your contribution has been a huge help to the team.”
Halle smiled faintly, though guilt tugged at her heart. She didn’t feel nearly as deserving of his praise as he made her out to be.
Chapter 10
Third Person's POV
“I’m not that noble. I stayed here all this time… for…”
For Terence.
Halle left the thought unfinished, but they both knew what she meant.
“No matter the reason, this place will always be your second home,” Captain Howell said with a warm smile. “If you ever come back, I’ll throw a grand party just for you.”
Halle chuckled softly but didn’t respond.
Three years had passed, and there was plenty to pack. By the time she had everything ready, the sky was already starting to brighten.
Her ride was waiting downstairs. She took the compass from around her neck and placed it gently on the table.
She had carried it with her for three years, but now that she was leaving Tanzania, it was no longer needed.
Even if she found herself in danger, Terence, thousands of kilometers away, couldn’t come to her aid. Or perhaps by then, he’d be newly married and too preoccupied to think about her at all.
Breaking the last connection between them, Halle picked up her suitcase, walked out the door, and got into the car.
She had arranged for an early departure, knowing her teammates would still be asleep. Apart from that, Halle also hated goodbyes and didn’t want to see tears shed over her leaving.
The red SUV sped northward, disappearing into the valleys just as the sun began to rise.
Along the way, Tanzanian antelopes grazed peacefully, wolves roamed the open fields, and their howls echoed faintly through the mountains.
Halle smiled to herself, feeling an unexpected sense of peace. Her time here hadn’t been wasted. Watching the animals thrive, running free across the land, her heart felt full.
At that moment, she understood why Terence had been so steadfast all these years.
Her thoughts then drifted back to the night Darlene had shared a story by the water’s edge. The resentment she’d been carrying suddenly melted away.
Now, all she hoped for was that Terence could catch the poaching ring he’d been chasing and finally find peace within himself.
The wind swept through the mountains, brushing her hair lightly.
For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw the young man who had once rushed toward her without hesitation. He had short-cropped hair, and that day, the rain had been heavy, the wind biting cold. Yet his hands, holding the gun, had been steady. She remembered being cradled in his arms, the sound of stepping into wet ground mixing with his steady breathing. The faint scent of tobacco clung to him, strangely comforting, making her want to linger there forever.
But now, this wilderness would have new stories to tell.
As for the dream born in the name of love, it was time for her to let it go.
At the airport, the boarding announcement for her flight echoed through the terminal. Halle dragged her suitcase and passed through security. But just before stepping onto the plane, she hesitated, as if wanting to hold onto something. But there was nothing left to keep.
As the plane soared over the mountains, she opened the window shade. Below, thick clouds blanketed the ground, merging with the vast stretches of snow.
It was December, the start of the snowy season. Though the plane was warm, she still felt oddly unsettled.
Somewhere in that wilderness, the man she had once loved was chasing his dreams.
She wondered if today’s snowfall was as heavy as the rainfall of the day they first met, was the wind as bitter as it had been then?
Pushing aside her longing, Halle pulled the shade down, shutting out the view.
She had always believed that time would dull everything—her memories of him, her love for him.
Adjusting her seat, she reclined and closed her eyes. Just before sleep claimed her, one thought echoed in her mind, 'Terence, I won’t come looking for you again. This will be the last time we'll see each other.'
It was both her deepest wish and a promise to herself.
