Until We Meet Again

Chapter Nine: A Memory Carried Forward

The day of Andrew's funeral dawned gray and cold, the sky hanging heavily over the gathered crowd. Friends, family, and townsfolk filled the chapel, each one dressed in solemn black as if nature itself mourned him alongside them, including myself. They'd given Ross and Eddie special permission to come back, just for today, to say goodbye. They were serious, their faces solemn. I couldn't bring myself to look at anyone for too long; it felt too raw, like I would fall apart with a single glance. There was a small table at the front covered with photos of Andrew, that smile, that easy laugh, all frozen in time. Each image was a fresh crack in my heart. I stood there, admiring the photos as I was clutching a handkerchief with shaking fingers, unsure if I would ever be able to move. That was when I noticed Ross and Eddie standing by the door, their uniforms immaculate, faces grave. Their eyes met mine, and in that moment, I felt understood in a way that words couldn't quite capture.

Eddie was the first to step forward. He didn't say anything, didn't try to find comforting words, just opened his arms, and I walked into them, pressing my face against his chest. His embrace was firm but gentle, grounding me as he whispered, "He was one of the best, Margaret. Never stopped thinking about you."

I pulled back, wiping my eyes. Ross stood close by, a little more reserved, but his face was soft. He shifted on his feet, almost nervous, and then reached out to take my hand, giving it a squeeze.

"Maggie, he loved you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You know that, don't you? Every chance he got, he would talk about you, about how you were going to be his wife and how he'd make sure he'd come back to you. He was so sure of it, even in his last moments."

Hearing Ross say that made something crack in my chest, something too big for tears or words to explain. I choked back a sob and managed a small nod. "Thank you. Both of you. I... I didn't know if anyone could understand."

Eddie glanced down, his own eyes a bit misty. "It's like losing a brother," he said softly, the words rough. "But he was more than that. To all of us. And he adored you, Margaret. With everything he had."

They each gave me a final, gentle hug, and I held on, grateful for their presence, for the way they understood without me needing to say anything. As they pulled back, Eddie squeezed my shoulder. "He would want you to know that you made him feel complete. The happiest he had ever been."

I clutched the handkerchief tighter, nodding. "Thank you for coming back," I whispered, my voice barely above a breath.

Six years later...

The hospital was as busy as ever, with a steady stream of patients filling each room. My day passed in a blur of faces, bandages, and soft-spoken words of encouragement. The clock approached five in the evening, I wrapped up my shift at the hospital. I had spent the past few years dedicating myself to becoming the nurse I'd always dreamed of being, working with veterans who returned from war, and other patients too. Just saving lives and helping in general. But, the veterans caught my eye specifically, and when I helped them, I would always hesitate for just a second. And in those moments, with every wound and scar, I'd always think of Andrew, and the life we would never have together.

Today, though, was different. Today, I would visit him, as I did every spring. After hanging up my cardigan and tidying my desk, I made my way out of the hospital, smoothing out the creases in my white dress. I picked up a bouquet of lilies on my way, my favourites. His favourite too, just because of that. The air was warm, a gentle spring breeze brushing through the leaves, carrying the smell of fresh blooms and newly mowed grass.

Walking along the familiar path to the graveyard, I felt my heart grow heavier with each step. I knew the way well; each stone a landmark that led me to his final resting place. When I reached his grave, my breath caught as it always did. The headstone stood there, simple and steadfast, like him, engraved with his name and rank. Kneeling down, I set the lilies against the headstone and brushed my fingers softly over his name, feeling the grooves of the letters, wishing desperately to feel him instead.

"Hi, Andy," I whispered, my voice barely breaking the silence. I forced a small smile. I sat down, tucking my dress beneath me, and just let the silence settle. My voice was soft as I began speaking, telling him about the years that had passed. "I wanted to visit...to tell you everything." I swallowed, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes. "I'm doing well... or at least, I hope I am. I became a nurse, you know? It felt like the right thing. I think you would be proud."

The wind stirred, gentle and soft, and I closed my eyes, breathing it in like it was an answer. I went on, sharing pieces of my life as if he were sitting beside me, listening the way he always had. As I spoke, the ache in my chest softened, replaced by something more peaceful. I knew that, while war had taken him from me, it could never erase the memories of our time together or the love that had filled every letter, every quiet conversation, every goodbye. I touched the locket around my neck, the one that held his picture instead of mine. I'd kept him close, right by my heart, all these years. When I finished, I stifled back tears, reaching out to brush a leaf from his headstone. "I'll always miss you," I whispered. "But I know we will be together again someday. But for now, I'll keep going. For you."

With one last, quiet smile, I rose, dusting off my dress and placing a gentle kiss on my fingers before touching his name. The weight of grief still lingered, but I felt lighter. I felt his presence, like a promise.

"Until we meet again, Andrew," I whispered, the words soft but sure. Then, with one last look, I turned and walked away, returning to the world, my heart a little fuller, my steps a little lighter, carrying his memory with me.