Never Forgotten {Memorial Day Tribute}
AN: Please read! Any relations to people alive or deceased is strictly coincidental! There are no names in this for a reason, please don't take this as a story based on anyone I know. I wanted to write a tribute to those who have fought for my freedom to post this for you all to read freely, remember those who pay the ultimate price. Remember those who go through hell and back as well.
~With my ultimate gratitude
--^~@ FoxyCyote
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He drove in silence, a soft smile on his face as he turned to the freeway. He didn't turn on any music, left the windows of his sedan shut; driving in silence with his thoughts and memories to keep him company. His left thumb played with a white band on his ring finger. He only wore it on special occasions. He sighed, signaling to exit and pulling into a somewhat small town.
The traffic was light here, Sunday morning and everyone was in church. He hummed a tune to himself as he pulled off the main road and into a large barren parking lot. He noticed some familiar cars as he locked the doors and pulled a small bouquet of roses from the backseat. Breathing calmly he straightened his clothes and put on a soft smile as he made his way towards his destination.
"Hello love. I've missed you. Here, brought you your favorite; yellow roses, straight from Ethel's." He paused before setting down the flowers. "You remember looking up the meanings of rose colors? You didn't care what the yellow ones meant; you wanted them for the wedding. Made a huge fuss with mom about it you did. She misses you by the way, everyone does." He sighs, sitting and getting comfortable as he watches the cars pass by.
"I made a new friend a few weeks ago. He wanted to hang out today but I told him I had to come see you. He was really understanding about it though. Said I could come by his place for dinner afterwards no matter how late it was. Oh that reminds me, a new game came out I thought you would love, bought it for Sammy to play. She loved it. She is so big now! Looks just like you. I'm not sure if I should bring her here yet, don't want to scare her you know? Maybe I will on her tenth birthday. It's a bit far still, but a few years will pass in a flash. She wants a pet; I'm not sure about it. It's such a big responsibility. She's with mom right now. I think they went to some sale or something at Kohl's. That girl spends money like it grows on trees." He smiled happily.
"Got the car fixed, last time I was here it needed a new gasket. That costed me a bit. Thinking about getting a new one; maybe a new Kia. Really like the commercials for the newest sedans they have. Wish I could take you with me; I need someone who's good at negotiating. You know how much I suck at that. Remember the flea market escapades?" He laughed loudly, recalling some long ago memory. "Oh man trying to buy that set of lawn furniture was a nightmare! I ended up paying more than the sticker price."
The man sat in silence for a while. He watched as a flock of birds flew overhead, the sun starting to go down over a hill in the distance. He knew he should head back soon, but didn't want to leave. Leaving was the hardest part. He looked down at his watch and sighed when he noticed the time.
"I have to leave soon love; Sammy needs me to help with a school project due tomorrow. You know me. Always wait until the last minute for everything." A forced smile was marred by a single tear falling to the ground. He stood, his head hanging limply. His body language was easily readable as uncomfortable with some thought in his mind. His weight shifting from foot to foot, hands wringing softly as he prepared to depart.
"I love you, and I miss you every day. Wish you were here love." He kneeled, kissing the large stone he had sat next to. He brushed his pants off before fixing the flowers perfectly. "Until later my love."
As he turned to walk away, he took one last glance back at the stone, reading the words inscribed there for what seemed like the millionth time. No matter how many times he read them however, his heart seemed to break in two if only for a moment. With another tear falling down his cheek he kissed his ring.
"Sister, Daughter, Wife and Mother, always loved and never forgotten. Taken from us in the line of duty on August 30th, 2007."
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