“Promise me something,” he said.
“What?”
“Don’t let yourself become too serious while I’m gone. I want to come home to the girl who laughs at my terrible jokes.”
I tried to laugh, but tears were already gathering in my eyes.
“And you have to promise me something, too,” I whispered.
“Anything.”
“You have to come back.”
His smile faded. He pressed his forehead against mine.
“I will. And when I do, I’m going to buy you a proper engagement ring. Not that ridiculous little thing I showed you in the shop window.”
I laughed through my tears.
“I liked that ring!”
“You deserve something better.”
“I don’t want something better. I want you.”
He kissed me, held me for a long moment, and walked away.
Those were the last words I ever heard from the young man I loved.
Six months later, two military officers appeared at my parents’ house.
