Forget Me Not

"When spring comes back and the air smells like lilacs, you better think of me Thomas Pike."

For a ten-year-old, Marianne's voice was strong, despite her small stature, and her fisted hands butted firmly against her hips. Her chin was tilted up, and the fire dancing in her green eyes was returned solemnly by the sparks dancing in Thomas' own gaze. 

"I won't ever forget to Marianne. Not if all the trees should fail to bloom."

Thomas felt a strange flurry of movement in the pit of his gut when Marianne stepped forward, tipping up unto the toes of her Mary Janes and planting a quick kiss on his cheek. He felt his face flush warmly, and he coughed a little to clear his throat. 

"I'll hold you to that Thomas."

*  *  *

"Don't be stupid, you hear me? Don't think you have to go being a hero."

Marianne's small hands held tightly to the green lapel of his uniform, creasing them mercilessly. Thomas didn't care. He covered her hands with his as he brought his forehead forward to her own, taking in the moment to breathe her in and to brush his lips to her brow. 

"France isn't really so far away", he murmured to her as the train's whistle pierced the air around them. He felt other young men bumping his elbows as they clambered unto the train, sending hands and handkerchiefs dangling from windows. "I doubt they'll be lilacs in the trenches. But in every beautiful thing, I'll see you."

"Don't you forget me now Thomas."

"Couldn't even if I wanted to."

The swat from her hand was gentle though her parting kiss was not.

*  *  * 

The young men who returned to their village were broken, even if they appeared whole; their souls were burdened and their minds were strained. The War had ended; the Flu had begun.

Thomas stood in a quiet yard, taking in the purple scent of lilac blossoms and allowing the sun to find his face as he turned it for a moment towards the sky. 

"I hope you didn't think I forgot", he whispered. "I hope you didn't think that's why I got home so late."

He knelt and held out the bouquet, placing it gently before her name, softly wiping clean the gleaming stone. 

"I promised I'd never forget."

So long as he had breath, he never would.