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Ghazni, Afghanistan
It had been a week since John called Lily. A week of complete torture and analysis. He was watching everyone and everything looking for a cell phone, computer or some sort of outlet to get a photo to her. There were no disposable cameras at the base store because they didn’t want you sending photos of the location. He had almost called to tell Lily he wasn’t able to find a way, but he was no quitter! Instead, he prayed for an answer and doubled down to find a solution.
He saw people come and go often; sometimes media would arrive, but they were often shooed away. It was too easy to accidently get something in the field of the camera that didn’t need to make it out. Maybe that was his solution, to go to them and suggest interviewing some of the troops in a secure location, so it was monitored. Seeing the chopper landing in the distance, he charged forward ahead with Radar in tow, a plan coming together.
“You! And you! With me,” he barked, grabbing two of his bunkmates. He ducked his head towards one of the commanding officers. “Sir, I’d like your permission to speak with the film crew that just landed to encourage more letters from home. Might boost morale for the guys. I can take them to the clinic, so they don’t see the weapons stores and you can’t see where we are located.”
At his curt nod, John almost whooped in delight and anticipation. He normally avoided this stuff at all costs, but without finding anyone with an unlocked internet portal, cell phone with signal, etc. – he was getting desperate. He’d kept her letter folded in his shirt pocket, close to his chest, just in case opportunity arose. Coming closer to the choppers, he turned to the two men with him and tried to keep the excited grin off of his face.
“Boys, we are gonna see if we can drum up some mail for the team. I want you to be positive, optimistic and happy. Say hello to your families and talk about how much you’ve appreciated the letters we’ve gotten.”
“But we barely got any; you got most of them from tha-”
“I know,” he said quickly, cutting him off. “That is precisely why we are doing this. If we don’t tell people how much it’s appreciated, then it’s out of sight, out of mind. Miss? Lady?” John shouted, waving at the reporter who got off the chopper. He saw the wariness in her face and knew immediately she expected to get sent on her way.
“Look, no media and interviews. Too much exposure, but you’ve got a couple of volunteers that can talk with you if you need a quick story. I’ve secured a spot that won’t give away our location and you can have five minutes, per Command,” he instructed and saw the look of relief. “Tell the chopper not to leave, we won’t be long.”
John headed to the medical facility and ignored their incredulous looks at the intrusion. “Set up fast and let’s get this done.”
“Wait, don’t you want to know what I’m here for?”
“Nope, just need to know where you are airing, if it will be online, and where to find it at,” he said bluntly with a genuine smile. He swirled his finger in a circle beside his head, indicating to wrap up everything or they were going to be done before they started. “We need to hurry this up and to drive attention to our boys and keep them fighting the good fight. Now, if you’ll set that camera up on your shoulder, sir? Time is a-wasting.”
Twenty minutes later, he ushered the reporter’s back to the helicopter, the relief palpable. It was a news team from Virginia. He had the reporters name and station affiliate. He told the reporter that if a worthy news story about the troops longing for home didn’t make it online, he’d be shocked. When his turn came, he gave a shout out to the students from Tyler, Texas for their letters and generosity, and finished his monologue.
He would call Lily tomorrow. He had a list of things he wanted to ask her that he’d written down over the last few days. It was 2 AM where she was, and he hated to disturb her. Plus, the station had to have time to do their edits and post the story.
* * *
John found himself excited and anticipating the call. He couldn’t wait to hear her voice and hear how she was doing. He was on his way to the building when he started hearing the whistles and cat calls. Word had gotten around camp that he had someone contacting him and while they teased him from a distance, most of the time they left him alone. Partly because his finger was healed now and partly because he felt guilty. Some of the guys had no one and it was written on their faces. He was so blessed and he knew it. He did an about face and ran to intercept the package. The phone call could wait another five minutes. Sure enough, the box sat on his bunk and several expectant eyes watched him. He opened it with his knife and grinned. She really was a good person.
“C’mon over here Radar,” he said softly. “I think our Lily has a soft spot for you, girl.” He ruffled the dog’s large black silky ears and felt his stomach clench as he saw the sunken spot where her eye had been. Swallowing, he kissed her head and scratched her back. He loved this darn dog and it had near about gutted him when he put Minter down at the medical tent and turned to see Radar. He’d fallen to his knees there in the dirt. The dog had run along silently beside him as if she knew John had been distraught, and didn’t want to hurt him any further. Radar had to be the smartest, most intelligent dog he’d ever had.
John dug out the Kong and box of spreading knives, quickly peeling back the foil top on the large jar of peanut butter. He smeared a dollop inside and threw the pink toy not far from her. She sprang into action and made several grunts as she worked desperately to get her tongue as close to the dark golden blob of heaven tucked inside. As he pulled the box of crackers out, he spotted what looked like a bookmark. Curious, he picked it up and gaped.
“What’s up man?”
“You okay?”
“Sir? Sir? Are you alright? You got a peanut allergy we don’t know about?” Several of the men rushed over and he waved them off. Lily was simply breathtaking. She had a classic air about her, with soft delicate cheekbones and large eyes that seemed to stare directly at him. Brown wavy hair that fell just past her shoulders and a smile that made his heart thump.
“Is that your girl?” he heard beside him and smiled, his eyes glued to the delicate face.
“Yeah, she is.” John had a phone call to make right now! He couldn’t wait to tell her he’d gotten the photos. Lily was stunning and incredibly humble, especially if she thought that she was plain looking. He slipped the photos in his pocket where he kept her phone number.
“You guys are welcome to the peanut butter and crackers. I’ll be back later. Someone refill Radar’s toy when she’s done, please?” he said, getting to his feet and seeing her ears perk up. “Radar, stay girl.” He wanted to talk to Lily as long as he could without worrying about needing to take her outside.
As he got to the store, he grimaced. The phone was already in use and one man was waiting patiently by the door. He got two phone cards this time and flinched at the total, but took his place behind the other man. He waited there impatiently for almost an hour and was relieved Radar was at the tent instead. He glanced at his watch and frowned. It was nearing 11pm there and he was up next. He hoped he didn’t wake her and was concerned she’d be upset. As the other man opened the door, John sprung away from the wall where he’d been leaning, waiting his turn. Hands trembling, he took a seat and shut the door for privacy before dialing Lily’s number.
* * *
Lily was shocked at the gift. She stared at the tiny stone earrings John had mailed to her. She’d opened the box and immediately put them on, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Delicate, bright blue teardrop shapes dangled from her ears, looking like fanciful raindrops. She worried that they were expensive and maybe it was a mistake, but no. She’d checked the address on the box four times before realizing that they actually were meant for her. It had been so very unexpected and treasured. She’d never gotten a gift from a man before, other than her father.
She made herself a hot cocoa and glanced in the mirror again as she walked down the hall, grinning at the blue earrings. It made her feel so good and smile as she thought of him picking them out for her. She took a selfie with them on and emailed it to herself, so she could get it printed at the copy center with photo paper. She’d bought Polaroid disposable cameras for the classroom to help her with learning their names and was certain there were a few shots left. Perhaps she’d do that instead and do up her hair in a ponytail. It had been several days since John called and she looked forward to it again. She was exhausted, staying up every night in hopes that he might. Hence the cocoa; she planned on watching tv in her room as late as possible – just in case.
Her cell phone rang beside her, causing her to tip her cocoa and spill a drop on herself. Quickly she grabbed the phone and turned off the TV. Answering it, her voice came out in a shrill, nervous squeak.
“Hello?”
