The romantic weekend getaway had rekindled the flame of love between Sarah and Alex, reminding them of the passionate and intense connection that had drawn them together in the first place. As they settled back into their coastal cottage, they were determined to nurture their relationship and ensure that it remained a priority in their lives.

Sarah had taken the emotional breakthrough during their weekend escape to heart. She recognized that while her career was significant, so also was her relationship with Alex. She made a conscious effort to find a better balance between her work and her personal life, making sacrifices to ensure they could spend more time together.

She began to prioritize their evenings, dedicating time to simply be with Alex. She adjusted her work schedule, setting time boundaries that allowed her to be present when he needed her the most. The moments they shared, whether cooking together in the kitchen, solving puzzles together as a couple or simply watching the sunset over the tranquil sea, were filled with love and affection.

In response, Alex felt his insecurities slowly recede. He saw Sarah's genuine effort to be there for him, to listen and understand his emotional struggles. The passionate and intense love they shared began to grow stronger, as they navigated the complexities of their lives as a couple.

One evening, as they sat on the porch, a gentle breeze ruffling their hair, Alex took in a deep breath. He turned to Sarah, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Sarah, there's something I've been wanting to share with you. Something from my past."

She turned to him, her expression a mixture of curiosity and warmth. "You can tell me anything, Alex. I'm here for you."

He took a moment to compose his thoughts, then began to speak. "During my time in the military, I saw things, experienced things that I've kept locked away for a long time. I've been afraid to open up about them, afraid of how they might affect our relationship."

Sarah nodded, her eyes filled with understanding. "I'm here, Alex. You don't have to be afraid. I love you, and I want to understand."

He hesitated for a moment, then began to recount some of the memories that had haunted him for so long. He spoke of the fear and chaos of the battlefield, the loss of comrades, and the moments of anguish and despair. He shared the stories he had buried, the ones that had left emotional scars etched in his soul.

As he spoke, Sarah listened with empathy and care, her presence a source of comfort. She held his hand, offering silent support and encouragement. When he had finished, there was a moment of quiet reflection between them.

Sarah finally spoke, her voice gentle and filled with love. "Alex, I'm so proud of you for opening up about your experiences. It takes incredible strength to confront your past. I'm here to support you through this journey of healing, just as you've been there for me."

Their conversation marked the beginning of a new phase in their relationship, one where they shared the deepest parts of themselves, the vulnerabilities and scars they had long kept hidden. It was a moment of profound connection, as they embraced the love and understanding they had for each other.

As the weeks turned into months, Alex continued to open up about his wartime experiences, sharing more and more of his memories and emotions with Sarah. It was a difficult process, one that required time, patience, and resilience, but he knew that it was a journey he needed to undertake to find peace within himself.

His nightmares diminished a great deal but they weren't gone yet. He still had some memories haunting him especially in his sleep. A particular memory drilled to his skull, a memory that he would never forget, that still haunts him till this moment, he hasn't told Sarah, his family not even Dr Reynolds whom he has shared most of his deepest fears and secret with.

A particular evening, after having dinner with Sarah at the seaside restaurant he took her to for their first official date. Then, they took a walk by the beach, the cool evening breeze floating around them and ruffling their hair. Each person enjoying the little moment of silence. They walked hand in hand by the beach, comforting each other with their presence, the soothing sound of the waves calming their nerves, the distant cries of seagulls in the air, the atmosphere was peaceful and serene.

Sarah looked at their entwined fingers, happy that Alex is more open with his feelings, she broke the silence.

"I had fun today" Sarah said looking up at Alex's handsome face.

"I'm glad. I also had fun today" Alex replied gazing into her beautiful brown eyes. She smiled in return and they continued their walk. It was a peaceful evening that turned to a blissful night.

But that bliss was cut short by the nightmare that haunted Alex. He was transported back to where he was deployed, where the bomb blast took place. Everything that happened was so clear and vivid, like he was reliving what happened in the past.

In that dream, he saw he and his men in the target building that held the hostages that they were supposed to rescue.

"7-2, 7-9 come with me. The rest of you keep an eye out." Alex ordered as he and two soldiers went deeper into the building.

"Sarge, something feels off" 7-9 said as they walked through the empty quiet hallway, their footsteps and hushed voices filling the air of the barren hallway. Alex nodded having the same feeling.

"There's the door" 7-2 nodded at the door that's located at the end of the hallway.

"Right, prepare to breach" Alex said as they approached the door. Once they've reached the door, Alex looked out for them as the others set the breaching charge.

"Done" 7-2 said and stood behind 7-9. Alex got up from his crouching position and stood behind 7-2.

"Blow the charge in 3-2-1, NOW!" Alex shouted, then came the explosion but it wasn't theirs. The sound came from outside, they turned and to their horror saw a rocket grenade heading to the building they're in.

"RPG!!" They watched in horror as the RPG connected with their building, the force sending them flying and landing in uncomfortable position. Everything blurred around Alex. His vision shook as he tried to take in his surroundings, all he saw was the burning flames that engulfed the building. He tried looking for his men but could see nothing as the flames got intense.

"Arvo---d---copy" Alex heard the static radio and wanted to reach for his radio to communicate but he couldn't move. He then felt his eyes roll to the back of his head as everything went dark.

Alex woke up covered in cold sweat, panting. His heart was racing wildly as he tried to breathe properly, through his nose. The nightmares has started again, bringing in the fears and trauma he face during the war.

He checked on Sarah and saw that she was still sleeping peacefully beside him. He quietly removed the covers from his sweaty body and went to the bathroom to wash his face. He looked at the mirror and saw the exhaust and fear in his eyes. He thought he had kept that memory bottled up somewhere in his mind but now he realize that it allowed him to have a little freedom to attack him unexpectedly.

He left the bathroom and entered the room, Sarah still sleeping peacefully on the bed which made him smile. He gently sat at the edge and sighed deeply. The nightmare swirled in his mind. He was in deep thoughts when he felt movement on the bed then warm hands slipped under his arms from behind and Sarah put her head on his shoulder, her warm breath against his neck. He heard her soft sigh.

"Why are you up." She asked sleepily.

"Nothing" Alex said as he took one of her hands and kissed it. "Did I wake you" he asked concerned that he disturbed her sleep.

"No" Sarah replied with a yawn. "The bed felt empty and less warm" Sarah said as she untangled herself from him and sat beside him. "What's wrong " she asked worried about his health.

Alex shook his head not wanting to burden her with his pain "Nothing"

"You sure"

"Yeah"

"Then why are you awake?" Sarah prodded. Alex went silent. "Are you still having nightmares" Sarah asked noticing his silence.

Alex tried to waved it off "Just triggers"

"Triggers?" Sarah repeated.

"Sarah it's fine" Alex said. He the hurt look in her eyes and felt bad for shutting her out again, he noticed the sharp tone he used on her, he softened and apologized.

Sarah nodded, knowing that he still has a long way to go in his healing process. "I understand but don't shut me out like that, please"

"Sure, I am very sorry, it's just" he sighed "I don't wanna bother with my burden. It's my burden and I want to carry it on my own."

"And I want you to be free from that burden. So, let's get rid of it together" Sarah advices him. "Remember we are a team, let's do this together as a team, right here right now"

Alex paused, not sure if he is ready to spill out what burdens his heart, but then he remembers Dr Reynolds's voice telling him about openness in relationship. Sarah has been eager to know what happened, everyone has been eager to know what happened and he wants to be relieved of the guilt he carried with him. Now could be a chance, he heard his inner voice say to him.

Sarah patiently waited for him, allowing him to gather his thoughts. Alex cleared his throat and adjusted himself on the bed to face Sarah " It's not a pretty story"

"I am a journalist, I have heard and seen very tragic stories and events." Sarah comforted him. Alex took in a deep breath.

"It's very bad" he said not knowing how to express the emotions he is feeling at the moment.

"I want to know" she said as she held his hand. Alex took in another deep breath and started his story.

"It was three years ago when I just got promoted to be a First Sergeant in the army. Three weeks after that promotion, I was deployed to lead a rescue team to save some American and British hostages." Alex stopped, staring into the space like he was reliving the past.

"In Mozambique?" Sarah asked wanting the story to continue, her journalist skills kicking in.

"No, Iran" Alex whispered, a distant look in his eyes. "In Mozambique, I was in a rescue team to save an African leader held hostage there. I was a corporal then. But, I led the Iran mission and I wish I didn't. I led my men to their death." Alex said and bowed his head.

"Alex" Sarah said as she squeezed his hand reassuringly. He looked up and saw her looking at him, her eyes filled with love and empathy. She nodded at him, urging him to continue which he did.

Their love, while passionate and intense, had evolved into a deeper and more profound connection. It was a love that was shaped by the challenges they had faced, the sacrifices they had made, and the understanding and support they offered each other.

Their coastal cottage became a sanctuary of love, a place where they continued to build their future together, knowing that, with each step they took, their bond would only grow stronger. They faced the future with the unwavering belief that their love was unbreakable, a testament to the power of connection and the resilience of the human spirit.