Through It All

A Discovery

     On the day of Nixon's inauguration, Jack, Jackie, Irene, and all of the children took one last walk through of the White House. The presidency had created memories while it had torn their lives apart. As Irene made her way through the quarters where she and Tom had began raising their family, she felt tears rolling down her cheeks. Her kids knew of Tom, but none of them would ever remember him. The day after the "date" with Marty, she felt ridiculously guilty. She sent him a letter explaining the predicament and never heard from him again. Irene brushed the tears away and knelt down running her hand over the corner floor board which was usually covered by a throw rug. Irene had never noticed the floorboard's abnormality until then. She began to investigate poking at it and then eventually prying it up. When she lifted it, she saw a letter. On the envelope it said: My dearest, Irene
     Irene cupped her hand over her mouth and carefully opened the letter:
11/11/63
Irene,
God, this is morbid. I had a ridiculous dream that something was going to happen to me and I... Well, I decided to write this because you know me and I'm not very good at expressing my feelings. Irene, I love you so very much and if something does happen to me, I want you to be happy and safe. Take care of our children and tell them how much I love them and lastly Irene, if you're reading this, then I'm sorry for leaving you. I'll love you forever.
Love,
Tom
   By the time, Irene read the last few word she was hysterical. Jack walked in a knelt down on the floor next to her, "Kiddo?" Without a word, she handed him the letter and within seconds, she noticed his eyes looked watery. Jack held her for a moment and then they stood up. "Irene, I know it's been hell, but we'll be with you through it all."