Juggernauts

Epilogue: 2068

More than a year had passed since Tom had escaped with his gear. The snows of December began filling the streets of Berlin. The cold weather made bundling up in large amounts of clothing less suspicious and for Tom to roam the streets with ease.

When in public, he did not wear his armor or helmet or gun. He kept to himself and only spoke to people when necessary. If there was something he needed, he would make it or go into town and collect his supplies. 

To keep his isolation secure, he lived in the woods a few miles from a church. This was because he knew that American forces would never make a raid on a religious site without 100% certainty that he was there.

From time to time in town, he would see American forces and occasionally a member of his team looking for him in the streets, questioning civilians for information. Luck was with him each time and they never saw him.

On this particular day, he went into the town's tavern for a drink. He sat at the bar and asked for a whiskey and then where the phone was. The bartender pointed to a support post near the back of the bar. 

Tom got up from his seat and walked to the phone. He picked up the old receiver and gently pressed each button until the line rang.

"Hello?" A feminine voice said.

There was a pause as Tom just stood there and listened to her voice.

"Hello, is someone there?" The voice asked again.

"Hello Ella." Tom choked out as a tear rolled down his cheek.

"Tom, where are you?" Ella asked.

"Oh, you know. Around."

"Tom..."

"I'm sorry I missed our anniversary. You know how work is." He chuckled to himself trying to hold back more tears. 

"I know you're trying to trace my call Ella. Tell everyone merry Christmas for me."

"Tom please stay on the line. I have something very important to tell you. Something you need to hear."

"I know that I've been disavowed. Not much surprise there."

"No Tom, It's not that."

"I love you Ella. Always remember that." He wiped a tear from his face.

"Tom please..."

There was no response. 

"I love you too Tom. Forever."

"And always." He replied before hanging up.

He wiped tears from his cheeks and newly forming beard before going back to the bar. He drank his drink, paid and got up again.

He walked over to the tavern doors and placed his hand on the door and whispered. "I will see you soon my love." He pushed the doors open and exited into the blinding cold before disappearing into the snow.

END