1 April 2012
When I saw him walking around the corner, carrying two dark duffel bags and wearing digital camouflage, tears brimmed my eyes. He was back! My knight in green armor! He was back home! I ran to him, kicking my feet high in the air. I pumped my arms, preparing to leap into his. He saw me coming, dropping the bags and widening his mouth into a smile. He extended his arms as I closed the distance between us. "Aaron!" I exclaimed as I pounced on him. I bear hugged him, burying my face in his clothes. Mmmmm...musty and Old Spice....my favorite. That's how I knew it was Aaron. He always smelled like must and Old Spice. "Nova!" he laughed as he hugged me tighter. The joyous tears rolled down my face, while I laughed hysterically. My boyfriend...my soul mate... He was alive! And we could get married, and live happily ever after! "I missed you so much..." I cried between tears, literally drilling my face into his chest. I wanted to be close to him. Aaron lifted my face up and gave me a sweet kiss on the mouth. I smiled, staring into those amber eyes that I loved so much. "Don't worry. I'm here."
I woke with a start, sweating profusely and breathing hard. I looked to my left and saw my alarm clock, which read 12:30 p.m. I looked to my right, which was illuminated by the moonlight that filtered through the window on that side. A lamp and a picture frame sat on my bedside table. In the frame was a picture of me and Aaron.
Then I remembered.
Aaron was dead. The folded up flag on the wall was the proof. Tears pricked my eyes. I looked down at the drawers of the table and slid one out, retrieving a dark, velvet box. I opened the lid and sobbed.
It was the ring Aaron gave me the day he died.
I held it to my heart as I cried myself to sleep. Why did he have to go.....?
When You're Gone.... • Opuss № I