Gate Hunters

(Ruby Stainer's point of view)

Today marked the eighth of February, signaling our treacherous ordeal was approaching.

I was unable to sleep at all. Each time I attempted to, I was haunted by nightmares of my ex-husband staring at me with his hollow gaze.

That disfigured face of his screaming to me that it hurts and the look on Ken's face, as he watched his father's head roll towards him, was more than enough to haunt me every night.

Sleeping tablets, smoking until I'm in that state of mindfulness, and drinking till I pass out. Methods I've used to try and forget about this situation, but it doesn't seem to be effective.

Krist is a deep sleeper, so maybe a quick smoke break might help clear my mind.

I checked the drawers for any cigarette packets... I ran out.

...

I need more.

Casting a quick look at Krist, I saw him sleeping peacefully, oblivious to the world around him.

It was clear he wouldn't be waking up anytime soon.

All I needed was a moment to clear my thoughts.

(Ten minutes later)

"I'll be paying with a card." I purchased five cans of gin, three boxes of cigarettes, and some gum.

After paying for my items, I grabbed the bag and made my way home. On the journey, I drank all five cans of gin.

I was wasted by the time I got home and reeked of smoke.

Struggling to walk straight, I chewed mint gum and sprayed myself to mask the scent.

When the door opened, Krist stood there holding a glass of water. "You smell great," he said.

There was a long silence between us before he asked, "You shouldn't worry me like that. I heard the front door open, and when I looked out the window, I saw you walking out—" he wore that same smile.

He continued to speak incessantly, not questioning why I was drinking, the smell of cigarettes, or even why I was walking late at night. Is he doing this for my sake, or is he simply ignoring it?

"Why are you smiling *hic*. Your wife left the house in the middle of the night and comes back drunk and you don't even question *hic* her." Without realizing it, I was making myself seem like I was cheating.

Krist handed me a cool glass of water, looking me in the eye. "Honestly, I trust you not to fool around with other guys, so I won’t question where you go at night. As long as you’re safe, that’s what matters to me." His sincerity was reassuring.

I sank onto the steps, my forehead pressed against my thighs as a mix of frustration and exhaustion enveloped me. With a sigh, I murmured something barely audible so he wouldn't hear.

Krist sat down beside me, gently draping his jacket over my shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asked.

I lifted my head and took a sip of water, then rested it gently against his shoulders. “I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Of what?" He asked

I leaned in closer, my breath warm against his left ear, and whispered urgently, "Please, don’t die on the fifteenth."

...he was silent.

Should I tell him that this has been on my mind since yesterday? Should I mention that it’s a monthly tradition for me to struggle with sleep around the fifteenth? Should I explain that there’s a possibility he could die if whatever is inside turns out to be more than he can handle?

Krist pulled himself back and this time he wasn't smiling, "Do you want me to lie or be honest?" He asked.

I’m all too aware that as soon as the hangover hits, my memory will fade into oblivion. “Just tell me what I want to hear,” I said, a hint of desperation in my voice. No matter how he responds…

...

Krist smiled gently and said, "I promise I’m not going to leave you on the fifteenth. I’ll still be here to comfort you. So when you see me, you will have a reason to smile and sleep comfortably."

Sober me... I hope you remember this because I'm going to hate you.

"If so, can we stay like this for a couple of hours, my blue-eyed prince?" His face turned a shade of red that blended with my hair.

Krist tenderly kissed the top of my head, then rested his own gently on mine, offering a moment of warmth and comfort.

His hair smelled amazing and his eyes were making my body melt, "Your wish is my command. My scarlet empress." Whatever fire he placed inside me, it simply grew bigger.

"After some thinking..." I said

"Would it be okay if we cuddled in our room? I think it would really help us both feel more at ease." Without hesitation, he gently scooped me up, cradling me in his arms.

After closing the door, he took his time, walking us upstairs to our little sanctuary.

His muscles felt firm yet supportive as I rested gently against them.

I'm starting to feel at ease, Ruby...stop worrying now.

Krist will come out alive and continue being your husband. He will avenge those who have died within those gates. He is someone who doesn't need protection.

...

And he... reminds you a bit of Johnathan. They both...are dummies with charming smiles.

Know that on February 15, when he returns safe and sound, you will embrace him with the tightest hug, conveying all the strength of your feelings. And when you kiss him, it will be the most passionate kiss, one that encapsulates the depth of your connection and the joy of being reunited. You’ve got this!