As Elias went on the hunt for the med kit, Callie couldn’t help but tease him. ‘It’s so much more spacious than my dorm. No wonder everyone wants to climb up the ranks, Lieutenant Colonel.’‘It’s Major General now,’ Elias corrected her.‘What?’ Callie was slack-jawed with wonder. ‘Major General, huh? You’re moving up in the world.’He looked back at her with a faint smile. ‘It’s just the way things worked out,’ he replied nonchalantly. ‘I never sought promotions, but I guess sometimes life has its plans.’Callie raised an eyebrow, genuinely impressed. ‘You’re still so young for a major general. It must be quite an achievement.’Elias shrugged. ‘Maybe. But rank and achievements aren’t what matter most to me.’It was about serving his country, protecting its people, and fighting for what was right.It wasn’t what drew him to the military in the first place, but it was what made him stay.Callie, though not a mind-reader, could see the fire in his eyes, the dedication that fuelled him to
Callie grinned, her playful spirit returning. ‘Well, I’m ready for whatever comes my way.’Then she added jokingly, ‘With you as the principal, I have the best protection.’On an impulse, she leaned in and pecked Elias on the cheek before rushing upstairs to her dorm.Elias stood there, slightly stunned by her bold gesture.He touched the spot where she had kissed him, chuckled to himself, before jogging away.In her dormitory, Callie lay in bed, a sense of elation coursing through her veins.Being reunited with Elias felt like a dream come true, and the prospect of seeing him daily for the next six months filled her heart with joy.Eventually, the fatigue of travel finally caught up with her, and she drifted off into a peaceful slumber.Angelia returned from lunch, her mind preoccupied with mischief.She had deliberately given Callie wrong directions earlier, expecting her to wander around the campus, lost and frustrated.However, when she entered the dorm, she was surprised to find
The army reveille sounded throughout the campus at six am, signalling the beginning of a new day.In the dorm room, Wendy groaned in protest at the blaring sound.The deafening noise interrupted her much-needed sleep, and she grumbled about wanting to go back to dreamland.Angelia, who had tossed and turned all night, was just as irritated as her roommate.She rolled around to face the wall, attempting to block out the annoying sound, and buried her face in the pillow.Callie, on the other hand, was already awake, sitting up at the reveille.She climbed down from her top bunk, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.Despite her grogginess, she decided to get up and start her day.Yawning, she washed up and brushed her teeth, preparing for the morning ahead.Remembering Elias’s words from the previous day, Callie hesitated for a moment before opting for her white lab coat instead of the military uniform.She quickly combed her hair and tied it into a neat top bun.The reveille, a blaring loud
Wendy raised an eyebrow. ‘Lost? Seriously? Well, I guess it happens. Anyway, I’ve got to say, you look great in that white lab coat. But you know what would look even better on you? The military uniform! You should wear it more often.’Callie smiled. ‘Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate the compliment, but I actually prefer the lab coat. It’s more comfortable for me.’‘Come on, don’t be shy. I bet you’d rock the uniform too. Why don’t you wear it?’‘Because Elias told me not to,’ Callie thought.‘Well, let’s not make a big deal out of it.’ She quickly changed the subject. ‘So, anyway, I went to the training ground earlier, and it was intense! The soldiers were doing combat training, and it was quite impressive.’Wendy’s eyes lit up. ‘Combat training, huh? Any shirtless hunks among them?’Callie laughed. ‘Sorry to disappoint you, but they were fully dressed. Still, it was quite a sight to see.’‘Aw, man! I was hoping for some eye candy. Guess I’ll have to wake up early next time to catch them
Amidst the banter, Wendy noticed a soldier pushing through the crowd, heading upstairs.Wendy’s heart skipped a beat, and a blush crept up her cheeks.‘Callie, look!’ Wendy whispered excitedly. ‘To your right, going upstairs.’Callie followed her gaze and nodded, impressed by the sight. ‘He does look rather dashing.’Angelia glanced at the man indifferently. ‘He’s all right, I guess.’The man’s insignia and army service uniform identified him as a captain.Wendy couldn’t understand how Angelia could be so blasé about such an attractive officer.But before she could dwell on it, she noticed the captain glancing their way.Their eyes locked for a moment, and Wendy felt her cheeks burn brighter.‘Uh-oh, he’s looking this way,’ Wendy whispered, feeling flustered.‘Don’t make eye contact!’ Callie warned, her cheeks also tinted with a blush.Angelia scoffed. ‘If he’s interested, let him come to me. I don’t waste my time on admirers.’Just as the tension seemed to escalate, a loud voice boom
Elias packed the muffin along with some berries into two separate containers.Then he left the officers’ mess hall and went downstairs, where a throng of soldiers lingered after their breakfast, trying to engage the three women in conversation.His presence commanded respect, and the soldiers quickly straightened up, saluting him as he passed by.‘As you were,’ he said, acknowledging their salute.Among the trio, Wendy was the first to notice Elias approaching, and she couldn’t contain her excitement.‘Hey, look! It’s your lieutenant colonel!’ Wendy nudged Callie.Callie looked up, a smile spreading across her face as she saw Elias making his way towards them. ‘Yup, that’s him.’Angelia, ever composed, noticed Elias too.Her eyes trailed over his tall and imposing figure, taking in the insignia that marked him as a Major General—a gold star surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves, with two red stripes on a red background, worn on the collar of his olive green uniform.She pegged the m
Callie nodded. ‘Absolutely! I’m excited to get started and make a difference here.’Elias’s expression softened as he looked at her. ‘Just a heads up, it could get tough. The cadets here go through rigorous training, and you might be dealing with all sorts of injuries.’Callie chuckled, her eyes twinkling with confidence. ‘I’m a trained general surgeon, Elias. I can handle a few scrapes, cuts, and bruises.’‘Just be careful, okay? Take care of yourself while you’re at it.’Callie felt a rush of gratitude as she gazed at Elias.His familiar presence eased some of the anxiety she had about starting in a new environment.He had a way of grounding her, making her feel at home even in unfamiliar surroundings.‘I will, don’t worry,’ Callie assured him, her eyes locked with his.‘Shoot! I’m going to be late!’ Callie checked the time on her watch. ‘I have to get going.’Elias nodded reluctantly. ‘All right, take care.’‘See you later,’ Callie said, offering a brief smile before she dashed off
As the clock struck eleven, the health centre seemed to momentarily slow down.Callie finally caught a break from attending to the steady stream of cadets seeking her attention, medical or otherwise.She made her way to the triage desk, where Wendy was busy with paperwork.‘Hey, Wendy. How’s it going?’ Callie greeted, a hint of relief in her voice.Wendy looked up, her face lighting up at the sight of her friend. ‘Hey, Callie! It’s been a wild ride, but we’re managing,’ she replied, her voice filled with admiration for the soldiers they had been treating.Callie leaned against the desk, sharing a knowing look with Wendy. ‘I know what you mean. These soldiers are tough as nails. I’ve treated everything from broken arms to twisted ankles, and they handle it like champs,’ she said, genuinely impressed.Wendy nodded enthusiastically. ‘Oh, let me tell you about this one young soldier, just nineteen years old. He had some serious injuries from hand-to-hand combat training and rock climbing,