Unnerving

"Roman?" I exclaimed.

Roman, my strategist and longtime comrade, had been an integral part of my life and career. What was he doing here?

"You mean Roman, Roman? Your buddy from the army?" Noelle gasped, clearly astonished.

I was numb, trying to reconcile the sight before me. What was Roman doing here, and what did it mean for the life I had carefully built with Noelle?

"Quit dilly-dallying; let's get him inside," Noelle said urgently. He moved quickly, leading the way.

I followed, guiding Roman's unconscious body with me. I settled him by the fireplace, the warmth and light a stark contrast to the tension in the room.