Checkmate

"How is my boy doing?" Bradley asked the child while patting his head lightly.

"I-I…" Words hardly came out. "I am alright, Sir." Samuel kept hugging the Lieutenant General.

"You missed me?" Bradley asked the child as he was surprised by the act.

"Yes, Sir!" The child enthusiastically replied.

A sudden warmth was felt by the two of them as if they were related by a deeper connection. Samuel seemed to have forgotten what he had just gone through. He could only see the person standing in front of him.

"A little longer." Bradley sternly said before pushing the child away gently. "We have unwanted guests, and I don't want them to see you, yes?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Be a good boy and stay here for a little longer."

The child failed to show emotions: "Yes, Sir."

The Lieutenant General patted his head one last time before leaving him alone in the same room again.

He was left again. Alone.