Our fate is sealed and we can do nothing to change it. My hand found Daniel’s as my eyes focused on the tsunami rapidly approaching. I knew I didn’t have much time left, but that didn't stop me from holding him closer. He pulled me in for a kiss before pulling away slowly, tears filling his eyes and he whispered softly to tell me I'd be okay.

With my last bit of strength I gave him a small smile, trying to reassure him even though it was pointless. My heart ached at how scared he looked, so different than the cocky, carefree man I had fallen in love with months ago.

"Promise me you won’t let go of my hand?" His voice cracked and I nodded my head in response; his hand tightened around mine.

He closed his eyes, bracing for impact, while I just stared into space. The only thing I could think about is the promise he made me. To get married and grow old together...

The first thing I noticed when I woke up was Daniel's hand still wrapped around mine. That was the first thing I felt when I regained consciousness. It wasn't the warm body next to me; this was cold and unfamiliar. I looked next to me and screamed, pale white bone poked up through the torn flesh of the severed hand grasping mine.

I tried to sit upright but collapsed onto the sand, tears streaming down my face and hands trembling in fear. I had never been in a situation like this before... I didn't even know what I was supposed to do! I didn't have any idea where Daniel was or what happened to him…

Suddenly the silence was filled with the whirring of helicopters. I was passed through and endless chain of people who covered me with a blanket and checked me for injuries. Daniel’s hand had been taken away somewhere.

After a few more days in hospital I was released back into my parents' care…

My mother hugged me tightly, whispering that she'd always be there for me no matter what. When they took me back home and I saw the familiar red bricked cottage, I collapsed. It was too much. I curled into a ball and cried for Daniel, for our lost future and for the child that he would never know.