It’s hard loving someone from afar, but she’s not ready. She’s not ready to know how I truly feel.

To some, Poppy is nothing but a pushover, a shy girl with a traumatic past. But not to me. I see her. I see the woman behind the mask. Her quiet strength and her fight to survive. It’s beautiful—she’s beautiful.

I’ll do anything to gain her trust and to earn her love, but I know it will come at a cost. While I serve my term in the military, our relationship will be tested. It won’t be easy, but I’m willing to take the chance—a chance on us.

I just pray she’ll be strong enough to survive it, and that I don’t end up losing the only girl I’ve ever loved.