𝑨𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑶𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒏

Our Loved Ones

Another year passes by and more men sail off to fight the enemy on the other side of the world.
It's September, the leaves have turned orange and pink. The air is slightly chilly. Tamtamis sits on the porch as she rocks little Amara to sleep and watching the people passing by, carrying out their daily lives. She gets lost in her thoughts, thoughts about her relationship with Silas. Thoughts about raising a child alone. Thoughts about something unfaithful.
Suddenly a familiar voice brings her back to the present. "Good afternoon, Tam. How are you today?"
A fair woman with warm smile walks up to her. It's Fatima, she lives a few blocks away, but she went to a college in New York. But what was she doing here at this hour? She's engaged to her Tam's neighbour's son, Fello . Before Tam could respond, Fatima speaks out again "I came back from New York as soon as I heard that you now have a daughter"
"Oh my, I missed you. It's been so long" Tamtamis smiles and stands up carefully, trying not to wake baby Amara. "She's so beautiful" Fatima exchanges smiles with Tam...

Later that afternoon

"I heard you are engaged to a Marine as well" Fatima says in a teasing voice as Tam's cheek flush red. "Kind of, we have not yet exchanged rings though" Tamtamis replies in a soft tone....
"They are such brave men, aren't they?" Fatima sighs "sailed across the dark waters, to fight for our freedom"...

Later that night

"My love

It's been almost a year since you last wrote me. But that's okay, I know you are there fighting for us and the country. For our future while me and Amara sit here, waiting for your return.
Wait, which I always will, for you. I still have your dress blue in my closet. I sometimes try it on myself, just to feel you on my body. It smells just like you, a scent I love more than anything else in the whole world. Today I met a childhood friend of mine. She made me realize that I am not the only one who's making sacrifices. I am sorry I might have sounded impatient in my previous letter but what can I do, my heart belongs to you. I want to thank you for the sacrifice you are making each and every day defending what you love the most. We will continue praying for your safe return, Silas. We, we together are one being. We flow together like water. Till I can't tell you apart from me. I only want to drink you.

Yours faithfully

G Tamtamis"

Tam closes the envelope and watches outside the window as Fatima walks away.