“It should be here soon” Bard mumbled as he helped his mother wash the dishes that they had just used to eat.
He was 18 now and was finally the right age to join the army, despite the numerous warnings that people had given him, including his mother.
“You're always so impatient, dear, letters take a lot to arrive” His mother dried the last plate and then her hands as she let out a sigh.
Bard looked down at her then at his feet; every time he brought up the topic of joining the military his mother seemed to give him a disappointed looked that screamed “You're abandoning me too, how can you?”
He sighed and sat down in a chair “I'm sorry mom. Maybe you're right. I should-” “Dear, you can do whatever you want, I won't stop you. Just be a little more patient” “I'm leaving you alone. If I leave you'll only live in fear of me never returning...” “You're strong dear, I know you'll make it”
Bard rested his head on the table and his mother gently stroke his back with that soft hand of hers.
Her hand went up his back and started stroking his dirty blond hair that looked so rough but felt so soft at touch.
She smiled a bit “Maybe you'll find yourself a girlfriend while you're away” She giggled as she watched his cheeks turn of a bright pink: embarrassing him was so easy!
“Moom... We've talked about this...” He mumbled in his arm “I'm not ready yet” he huffed and avoided his mother's gaze “Not now, maybe in a couple years, who knows!” she giggled as her son hid his face more in his arms.
He was about to protest again when they were interrupted by several knocks at their door “Coming!” He exclaimed and quickly got up to go open the door, where a tall,pale man was standing: he had a military uniform on and a letter in his hand; Bard held back a smile.
“Is..” The man looked down at the letter to get the name “... Baldroy Smith home?” “Yeah, talkin' to ya right now!” Bard replied happily and the tall soldier handed him the letter before walking away, leaving Bard and his mother staring down at the piece of paper; she had a worried look while her son had an smile that went from ear to ear.
They sat down on the small couch and Bard opened the letter quickly, so curious and excited to read it.
There was silence for a while.
The woman got worried.
“Bard? Are you okay? What... What does it say, honey?” She asked, voice filled with worry as her hand went to lightly squeeze his shoulder
“They accepted me, mom, I can go! I'm leaving next month!” He exclaimed happily and went to hug her.
Suddenly he felt anxiety, fear and guilt rise into him.
So many things he didn't consider before rose in his mind.
“How am I gonna send you letters?” He mumbled suddenly “How am I gonna receive them? Oh my God... No, I'm scared now Mom-” “Darling, don't worry! It's easy to send letters and it's easy to receive them when you're there. I know you are strong, and if you worry of not coming back, I'll be fine.” She gently stroked his hair and he nodded “If you say so”
They parted from the hug and she smiled softly at him “We'll worry about it when it's time, tall boy, now let's go buy some things at the market!”
Baldroy smiled, nodded and got up to get ready as his mother watched him.
He was so much taller than her now and the thought just made her giggle.
She went to get her basket and headed to the door, Bard soon followed her with a smile.
“Let's go”
