Sniper Files #3 The Kill

As the moon hung low in the night sky, casting shadows across the deserted alley, I watched them from the rooftop opposite the dimly lit apartment building. The general's daughter, Olena, stood on the balcony, her silhouette joined by that of her lover, Andrei. They seemed lost in each other, unaware of the danger lurking in the darkness below.
 
I adjusted the scope on my rifle, my breath steady despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins. This was the moment I had trained for, the mission I had been assigned by my superiors. But as I stared through the crosshairs, doubt gnawed at my resolve.
 
Olena laughed at something Andrei said, her joy infectious even from a distance. In that moment, they seemed so in love, so alive, and I couldn't bring myself to pull the trigger.
 
Lowering my rifle, I watched as they disappeared back into the apartment, the opportunity slipping through my fingers. Guilt weighed heavy on my conscience as I slung the rifle over my shoulder and melted back into the shadows.
 
Back at the safehouse, I reported to my commanding officer, fabricating a story about unforeseen complications. But as I stared into his steely eyes, I knew he saw through my deception. The truth was written plainly across my face.
 
Days went by with my mission left unfinished.  I found myself haunted by the memory of Olena and Andrei's embrace. The thought of their demise weighed heavily on my soul, a burden I couldn't shake. And so, against my better judgment, I made a decision.
 
Under the cover of darkness, I infiltrated the general's compound once more, this time not as an assassin, but as a savior. I intended to warn Olena of my mission even though it might put my life at risk.  
 
I found Olena and Andrei on the balcony again, this time they were naked and their laughter mingled with the night air. Suddenly, I realized it was within my power to deliver them from this war that would surely overtake their home.  
 
I took aim as they embraced. I admired Olena's breasts. They so reminded me of home. I moved my aim away from her breasts and into her side, gently squeezing the trigger. She fell completely limp into Andrei’s arms and I knew she was dead. As Andrei held her against him, I took my second shot, also striking him in the side. He spun into the railing and leaned there still holding Olena.  
 
I heard a commotion at ground level and knew the house guards had alerted on the rifle shots.  “Where did the shots come from, Andrei," they called out, but he only cried, “Oh, God!” still leaning into the rail and looking into the darkness. An instant later my third bullet found his forehead. He tumbled down still embracing Olena.
 
My hands trembled with regret. This innocent couple had fallen in a tangled dark clump of flesh where they’d stood moments before kissing and anticipating a night of lovemaking. I knew that this ending was the only way to save them from an even more tragic ending. I escaped into the darkness, knowing there would be more killing in my future.