Stranger on the Base

Angelia, lying on the bed, feigned sleep, not wanting to confront the tormenting memories that haunted her every time she closed her eyes. Jamison approached her, his guilt evident when he saw the wounds on her face. He couldn’t help but feel responsible for what had happened to her. Angelia slowly opened her eyes, surprised that he had finally come to visit her. Jamison was taken aback by her wakefulness and muttered, ‘Angelia, I’m sorry...’ Inside, Angelia sneered. Another apology. What did it change for her? All she saw in his eyes was pity and sympathy. ‘Why didn’t you save me?’ Angelia asked in a soft voice, her tone tinged with bitterness. ‘Why did you choose to save her and not me?’ Jamison had no ready answer. ‘I’m sorry...’ He apologised again, his voice filled with regret. There was a cynical smile on Angelia’s lips. Was this apology born of genuine remorse, or was it simply a way for him to absolve himself of guilt? She was convinced that if faced with a similar choice again