Memory of a Fallen Heart: Memorial Day Story

Memorial Day Story

"Are you sure you can handle this Grandma?" I asked as I drove the both of us to the memorial.
She laughed her minty laugh and looked over at me. Today was Memorial Day, and Grandma and I was driving down to the memorial to honor my Grandfather who was in the war and, sadly, died. It was always a hassle for Grandma, but after years of dealing with it, she gotten the courage to go down there. And I offered to go with her.
"Child I have been suffering from many Memorial Days like this," she said. "I think I can handle this one."
I smiled as I pulled up inside the parking lot and parked. I got out first before walking towards the passenger side and I escorted my grandmother out. As I shut the door, I looked over and watched as she slowly walked up to the large wall surrounded by people. I slightly smiled as I soon walked up beside her as she began walking along the wall, looking for my grandfather's name. Soon enough she found him and she stood there, just looking at it. We stood in silence until I was the first one to speak.
"Grandma," I said. "Can you tell me about Grandfather?"
She looked over at me and smiled, seeming glad that I asked.
"I thought you'll never asked," she said. "Now pay attention real closely now. It's a story I kept close to my heart for years to come..."

🌺
It was a devastating time...a time that I didn't dare to describe. All I could say was that it was a time that scared me so badly, I could barely sleep. My fiancé always told me it was going to be okay. He always said that he would never leave, but when that call came, I knew that those words would be vanished.
"But you can't leave," I sobbed, holding tight onto his arm. "You told me you wouldn't leave."
He held me close as I sobbed shaking in his arms. He rubbed my back and whispered soothingly into my ear until I managed to catch my breath. My eyes were swollen and red from the crying, and my hair was a mess. He looked me straight in the eyes, an emotion I couldn't really make out.
"I know I said I would never leave, but baby now I have to," he said softly.
I felt my eyes water and a warm drop fall down my cheek. He wiped it away gently and kissed me deeply. I leaned into his arms and savored the kiss, pulling him close and holding him tight. He soon let me go and kissed me on the forehead softly before grabbing his bags and looking at me.
"I promise I'll be back soon," he said before turning and walking out the door.
I stood there for a second before running out the front door, watching him climb into the vehicle. I ran down the front steps and nearly tripped as I ran towards him. He turned to me and I pulled him close, kissing him again. His friends watched in awe as I pulled away slowly and placed my locket inside his palm. A locket holding the picture of me and him...a picture I wanted him to have.
"Promise me you'll write me?" I asked.
"I promise," he said before his friend started the engine and began to drive off.
I ran by the vehicle holding onto his hand, when they got to the end of the block, I let go and stood there, watching him vanish into the distance. The tears began to flow again and I yelled out to him.
"I'll be here waiting!" I called out.
"Good!" He yelled back and I smiled with tears in my eyes as I began walking back home.

🌺
Months passed and I received, as promised, letters from him. News kept up with the moments of the tragic events, but I never brought myself to listen. One day, as I was tending to the gardens, the post man came by and gave me a package. Sent from my fiancé. I signed the clipboard and eagerly went inside the house to open it. I sat on the couch and ripped open the package, only to reveal a photo of him in his uniform, some seashells, and a letter. I set the photo down and opened the letter carefully, smiling as I saw his writing.

To My Dearest Fiancé,

I promise to write this letter as always. I hope all is well. I may be coming home soon as expected, and I hope to wrap you in my arms and to never let you go. I'll make sure to buy you all the greatest presents and make love to you always.

Won't you like that sweetie? I can't wait to see the smile on your face, heat your voice again, and to feel your soft touch. It's all I have ever dreamed of as I have been here. Remember to not worry so much as well okay? I'll be home safe.