Ghost Soldiers || Bucky Barnes

Chapter 37: The Funeral

June, 1942

Dear Clemmie,

I got your letters this morning, and nothing made me happier. Even though you're not here, reading everything you write makes it feel like you are.

I am deeply sorry about what happened to Thomas. When I read it this morning, I couldn't believe it. I know how much he meant to you, and I can't even imagine the pain you must be feeling right now. It's never easy to lose someone you have known your entire life, especially someone so young and with his whole life ahead.

I wish I could be there with you. No one should deal with the loss of a loved one alone, and even though I'm not physically there, I am here for you. I'll be thinking about you and about Thomas' family, who must be suffering so much right now.

I am sure he died a hero. They all do, because they fought and died for their country, and there is nothing more honourable than that. I lost a few friends last week in Italy, they were all killed in action, just like he was. And even though I can't imagine a more tragic way to die, they are at peace now, and so is Thomas.

I've now come to realize the pain I must be causing you by being away. And I'm very sorry that I'm away and you're always worrying. But darling, I'll be okay. So far, I haven't seen much of the war, and I consider myself lucky. However, they are sending me to Western Europe soon, since they need more troops there. I am not sure yet where, but I won't lie to you; it will be more dangerous there than in England.

But I'll be okay. They have trained me well, and I know how to defend myself. I also have my friends, who have become my brothers now, and they will protect me, just as I will protect them.

I miss you more with each passing day, and I can't wait till I see you again. I'm hoping it will be soon, but nothing is for certain. And Clemmie, take care of yourself. I know you've been sad lately, and I can't blame you. But you need to be strong. Please do it for me.

I love you.

Bucky.

___________

Clementine finished reading the letter and tears started streaming down her cheeks. She had received it two days ago, along with some others, but she didn't read them until now. She had been busy that week, helping the Vanderbilts prepare the funeral for Thomas.

He had died a month ago. It had been two weeks since Eleanor came to her house and told her, and ever since then, she felt like she had lost a part of herself. Thomas had been one of her closest friends almost her entire life, and even though things hadn't worked out in the end between them, she cared deeply for him.

Mr. Vanderbilt had paid a lot of money so his son could come home sooner. Usually, bodies took months to go back to the States, but they had managed to bring him home two weeks after he was declared killed in action. And his funeral was taking place that day, in the Vanderbilt Mansion.

Clementine was ready to go to funeral. She was dressed already, with an elegant black dress she had gotten a long time ago. She had decided not to wear any makeup, since she didn't care about looking descent anymore. She was going to mourn her friend, and she didn't care if her face was swollen after all the crying.

She was waiting for Arthur to pick her up. Her parents had made an exception, and were going to let her take the car, and she had accepted. She was waiting by the window, and a few minutes later she saw him, so she took her small purse and went down the stairs. When she got in, she said hello, but that was it. She didn't feel like talking to anyone, because she felt like if she did, she was going to fall apart and never stop crying.