Saved by the Cross (Cross 3)

25 - Gold Star

Following the GPS, Gray parked in front of a one story home on a street with other homes which all looked the same. An autumn wreath adorned the front door and the gold star flag hung in the window. He stood and stretched even though the drive hadn't been very long. As he approached the walk, he noticed the red on the flag had faded.

His grief had faded, but like the flag, it stayed with him. His palms were sweaty as he pressed the bell. In the scorching sun, his armpits were dampening.

Mrs. Carson opened the door with a smile. She had gray hair that was cut to look smart. His first thought was she was much shorter than Beth.

"Come in. I remembered her saying you were tall."

He nodded and cleared his throat. "I know I should have reached out years ago. The truth is for a long time I couldn't."

She put her hand on her arm. "I understand. When she came home, I knew you were still over there. At least, you made it back whole."

He nodded. "I was a lucky one, not that I felt lucky."

She nodded. "Bill will be home soon. He's golfing. Since he retired, he plays almost every day. I hope you don't mind, but Ashley is coming over. She's her sister."

He nodded. "I remember. Beth talked about her family all the time. She loved you."

"She loved you too."

He followed her into the living room. Her flag was in a triangle display box along with photographs on the top of the upright piano. He couldn't look away as he saw her at different ages. He stared at the same photograph he had in his wallet.

"It came home with her belongings."

He turned to her and nodded. "You. She had your eyes."

"Yes, but her father's height. Sit down. Tell me about yourself. Are you married?"

He shook his head. "No."

"You said you're here on business. Where do you live?"

"I live in Boston. I work for the CEO of a large conglomerate."

"What brings you to Arizona?"

"I'm looking into why business is down in some locations. My responsibilities vary." He sounded far more important than he was. He paused before drawing in a deep breath. "How are you? Your loss?"

"It's not something you get over is it?" He shook his head. "We grieve and remember her and do the best we can. The grandchildren help."

"Congratulations."

A noise turned her head. "Someone is here. I'll go see."

He stood and studied the pictures unsure if he were torturing himself or trying to memorize them. He took out his phone. K had texted, drive safe. He didn't respond. Instead, he opened his camera and took photos of the pictures. It felt good to know others memorialized and remembered her. For years, he felt like it was a job he was doing on his own because of the way they loved each other. Standing there he felt stupid, and wondered what would have happened if he showed up on the Carson's doorstep instead of going to Boston. They probably would have sent his drunk ass away, or maybe he wouldn't have mourned alone.

A throat cleared behind him. Gray turned to a man almost as tall as him with white hair. "Bill Carson."

He shook his hand. "Gray Hoffman, but I guess you know who I am."

He nodded. "Sorry. I interrupted you."

"I was just remembering and..."

"And what son?"