A Girl Out of Place

Epilogue

"It wasn't long after the war that he and grandma were married and began their family. He followed his bride, supporting her as she pushed the boundaries of women in the medical field. There were even times where he stayed home to raise Aunt Bonnie and Uncle Lance while my Grandma Margaret lectured in American Universities on ground breaking emergency medical procedures. It was his support and love that taught my father, not only how to respect a woman but how to be partners in life. Together they were unstoppable and because of them, none of our wives or daughters ever feel like they're out of place in this world.

"Thank you Grandpa, for your bravery and for your example. We will miss you."

Tears welled in my eyes as I watched my youngest grandson share the love he felt for his grandfather, during his final memorial. The stories he shared reminded me I was blessed to spend so many years with my Beloved Henry at my side. My M.P.

As they lowered his casket into the ground my hands clutched my aged throbbing heart. I couldn't bring myself to leave him. The cool air bristled through my short gray hair as members of my legacy kissed and hugged me goodbye. One by one they left, until it was only he and I, in the pink light of the spring sunset.

I was expected to leave him there. Yet, my body felt as stone.

"I'm sorry we're late." The voice was sweet and calm, yet the sudden interruption of silence sent a prickle up my spine.

I looked up to see a beautiful young Asian woman. Short, perhaps five foot five inches tall. Black eyes beneath long thick lashes and smooth olive skin. Her black hair hung in a loose bob around her face and there was a touch of pink to her lips. But the air caught in my throat at the sight behind her.

Twelve families stood clustered about. Each were dressed respectfully in funeral attire. They held bouquets of flowers and candles, even the children.

I managed to turn my wheelchair to see them better as the young woman bowed slightly, as I had seen many Korean's do during my time in there homeland.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Dr. Margaret D Craighill Griffin." She said.

"That's me and you are?"

"We came to pay respects to your husband, and thank you for what you have done for us."

"I don't understand."

"I have a picture here that might explain. May I?" She motioned to the spot beside my wheelchair and waited for me to wave her closer. She crouched down beside my wheelchair, placing her hand on the arm rest she placed an old photograph into my fingers. It took a moment for my eyes to focus but when they did my heart fluttered happily in my chest.

Unsure, my fingers lifted and gently touched the cool surface of the photo. The biggest smile across a familiar face. Even in the back and white I could see the white strip of hair tucked behind her right ear. The young woman had aged beyond 17, and yet she still maintained the same youthful glow.

In the photo Ryn had her arms round a slightly taller Korean man. His hair was longer, he wore a long black fitted jacket, but he was still the exact same Korean Soldier from my memory.

"You?" Was all I managed to say and the young woman who had handed me the photo smiled.

"We grew up being told stories of the heroes that saved us. You and your husband are among their stories."

"What happened to them?"

Her hand tightened around my wrist as she looked past me to the flowers where my beloved's tombstone would soon mark his place. My heart again ached for his arms around me.

"Are they with him?" I asked.

"Yes. But they managed to liberate so many of us. Please may we share our gratitude with your husband?"

I looked passed that young Korean and scanned the sight of the families behind her. The fist around my heart warmed allowing me to move again.

With a nod and my wrinkled smile they all came forward, decorating Henry's place with their generosity.

Again Ryn's final words to me came flooding back.

"We have work to do."

And she did it well.

* * Please VOTE and COMMENT, especially if you want me to continue with the story. * *

* * THANKS FOR READING! * *