Alternate Universes

Celebration.

The conversation between us suddenly rekindles as I ask him about his military trainings.

Then the sudden question from him:

"Are you interested in attending my Pass Out Parade?"

"Sure," I replied without hesitation.

There's no way in which I would give a second thought to him asking me to attend such a meaningful and memorable ceremony. Also because it has an underlying meaning - when I told my friends, they all mentioned that he only has 4 tickets to invite his family and closest friends, so he must at least see me as a close friend of his.

(Fast forward to his Pass Out Parade)

Now here I am, sitting at the seats and waiting for him and his Company to march out onto the floating platform. It's so surreal - from being invited, to attending his Pass Out Parade... my heart is overwhelmed with joy and pride.

"There's his Company," I muttered, as the announcer's voice boomed across the entire floating platform. The recruits all look the same - clad in green cameo camouflage uniform, with heavy field packs and holding their rifles. How smart they look! I can't seem to find him though, all the green helmets make it so hard to identify where he is.

As the parade dragged on, I'm counting the minutes to its end. My heart is bursting with pride.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I now present you: the trained soldiers of the SAF!"

As soon as the announcer exclaimed "trained soldiers", the recruits had already taken off their hats, before throwing them into the air (like how fresh university graduates would do when they have their motarboard).

I scrambled from my seat and made my way to his Company. There's so much pride in me that it cannot be contained. How proud I am of him for completing this arduous and gruelling physical training!

"I'm so very proud of you." I embraced him despite his perspiration from all the marching.

Pulling me in for a tighter hug, he whispered, "Thank you for coming to celebrate with me."

"Always welcome."

One by one, his section mates elbowed him.

"Isn't she the one you've been talking about in camp all this while?"

"Come on, do an introduction."

"Does she know yet?"

His ears started to blush - and something was definitely up. Could it be...?

"Elizabeth, for the past 9 weeks in camp, I was reflecting on how I should tell you this." He took a small breath of air before continuing, "You're an amazing person, and sometimes you forget that. I want to be that person to remind you of how amazing you are, and I hope you will do the same to me. Would you be my girlfriend?"

I nodded. "I would love to."

"This calls for a double celebration, folks! What a ride!" One of his section mates hollered above the crowd.

His section cheered.

"Proud of ya, Gabs!"

"Bro, she's a keeper!"

"Mad respect for you man!"

As I gazed at his beautiful face which was now glistening with perspiration under the hot sun, my heart beamed with pride.

"I'm so proud of you. And I love you."

"I love you, too."