Ghost of Me.

1. Embracing the Unknown

C H A R L I E ' S / P O V

The small-town charm of Everwood seemed to fade into the background as I stood before the recruitment office. The door loomed before me, a portal to a future I couldn't quite fathom. It was two days after my 24th birthday, a milestone that should have held celebrations and familiarity, but life had other plans. My aunt, who had adopted me just days after his passing, was nowhere to be seen, hadn't been for 2 months.

In Everwood, my father, Major Charles Reeves, was a pillar of strength. He would return home like clockwork, a reassuring constant in the rhythm of our lives. But this year was different — his absence lingered since I turned 17, casting a shadow over the routine I had grown to depend on.

As I pushed open the door, a gentle chime announced my entrance. The officer behind the desk looked up, his uniform a symbol of the world I was about to step into.

"Can I help you, ma'am?" he asked, a hint of formality in his tone.

"I want to enlist," I stated, the decision carrying more weight than a simple career choice. It was my declaration of independence, a step into a future shaped by my own decisions.

The officer nodded, understanding the gravity of my choice. "Name?"

"Charlotte Reeves, but Charlie is preferred, Sir." I replied, feeling a twinge of nostalgia for the nickname my father used to call me. He looked up at me, as if he recognised the last name but ultimately chose to continue.

As he processed my application, my mind drifted to memories of my father — a man whose military career defined my upbringing. Everwood, with its sense of duty, honor, and sacrifice, had been my home. Now, I sought to make it my own in a way that went beyond the shadow of Major Charles Reeves.

Two days after celebrating my 8th birthday without my father, I stepped into the unknown. The military, with its challenges and camaraderie, awaited me. This decision marked not only a departure from the familiar but also a journey into self-discovery, resilience, and the forging of a new identity. After a few short moments the man nods and passes me a pamphlet.

"Fill this out and return with your social security number, passport or driver's license. I wish you luck in your journey and I am eternally sorry for your loss." The man stands and salutes, taking his hat off and holding it at his chest. I thank him with a short, curt smile before turning around and walking out.

The door chimed as I stepped out of the recruitment office, the weight of my decision settling in the pit of my stomach. Joining the military was more than a mere career choice; it was a commitment to a path I'd long avoided. The scent of fresh ink lingered on the pamphlet clutched in my hand, its pages promising a future intertwined with discipline and camaraderie.

Everwood's familiar streets stretched before me, the reds of my hair catching the soft afternoon sunlight. My hometown had witnessed its fair share of farewells, but this one felt different. This time, I was stepping into the shoes my father had left behind – Charles Reeves, a man whose memory echoed through every corner of Everwood. I began my walk down the lively streets, preparing for the winter fair.

The diner, a place filled with shared meals and whispered conversations, beckoned me inside. The bell above the door chimed again as I entered, greeted by the comforting aroma of coffee and pies. Taking a seat at the worn counter, I ordered a cup of black coffee, my thoughts drifting between the past and the uncertain future.

"Here's your coffee Ma'am. Good luck, Major Reeves was important in all of our lives." The server says, tapping the pamphlet, offering me a warm smile.

The military emblem on the pamphlet stared back at me, a symbol of duty and sacrifice. Each page held promises of purpose and belonging, something I craved deeply. Everwood, with its tight-knit community, had been my haven, but destiny called me elsewhere.