Never To Be Forgotten

Snow blanketed the ground as she jogged through the streets. She anxiously checked her watch. She had a half hour left to find him. A half hour to make things right. A half hour to say goodbye. Possibly forever. Who knew what the future would bring? What if this was her last chance to see him? She would hate for things to end the way they had the last time she’d seen him.1

They’d both said some things they shouldn’t have. Looking back, Kaya couldn’t remember what the fight had been about. All she knew was that it had gotten way bigger than it should have. It frustrated her that she’d let it get so out of hand. He was leaving for war and she’d known it. She’d let her temper get the best of her. It was like the year they’d spent together had just disappeared from her mind at the time of the fight.2

Every happy memory danced through her mind as she pushed herself harder. The wind was blowing her long blonde hair everywhere, but Kaya didn’t care. All that mattered was that she found him before he left. She had to apologize. Up ahead, she spotted uniform clad figured. Her heart beat sped up. One of them had to be Luke. As she got closer, she could make out more distinct features. Her heart sank. None of them were Luke. 3

Kaya slowed down, finally feeling the cold air. She wrapped her arms around her slender body and shivered. She’d stay out there until he walked by. Fortunately, she didn’t have to wait long as a lone clad figure was walking up to the group. His strides were long and even. He radiated confidence. His head was held high and his body was stiff. Luke. Only Luke could hold himself like that in such desperate times. He hid his fear well. It was what first drew her to him. She rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around him.4

He looked down at her like she was crazy.5

“What’re you doing here?” he asked her quizzically.6

“I’m here to apologize,” she said breathlessly. All that running had taken her breath away.7

His face softened beneath his dark hair.8

“It’s alright,” he assured her, wrapping his arms around her.9

She smiled up at him and allowed her blue eyes to meet Luke’s. Without another word he carefully tilted her chin and kissed her. The kiss seemed to last an eternity. After a few more short kisses, he pulled away. 10

“I’ve got to go, but I have something for you,” Luke said, pulling something out of his pocket.11

It was a small dark blue box with a white ribbon around it.12

“You can’t open it until you get home. I have to board the ship now, but just know that I love you.”13

“I love you too,” she replied, smiling.14

After one last kiss, Kaya watched Luke board the ship and disappear into the cold night air.15

Once at home, Kaya gently opened the box, careful not to rip or tear anything. Inside was a simple chain with a small, golden heart on the end. Also inside the box was a note.16

I’m going to miss you when I leave and I know you’ll miss me too. When I saw this I just had to get it. I want to always remind you that you have and always will have my heart. I can’t guarantee that I’ll make it back from this war alive, but I can guarantee that I’ll never forget you. It’s my sincerest hope that you never forget me either. I hope that I make it back okay, but there’s no way to know for sure. Whatever fate has in store for me, I just want you to know I’m glad you’re mine. 17

Always and Forever, 18

Luke19

She must have reread the note a hundred times before she noticed the tears falling from her eyes. Wiping them away with the back of her hand, she pinned the note and a picture of them together right above her bed. No matter what happened, she’d never forget him.