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A medic was the only thing that could keep them alive if one of them got injured. If he was about to get shot or worse… he wanted someone with medical skills to aid him!
Peña limped over to them.
“Where’s Turner and Collins?”
“Peña? You okay, buddy?”
“I don’t know…”
Ian, Keyes, and Peña swung their rifles up in unison… as the insurgents and rebels began rushing at them; gun shots began to make contact with the hull of the truck, and chaos reigned.
Dang it,Ian thought wretchedly, his teeth jarring as he shot his firearm repeatedly.I just want to talk to June, and I want her to like me…
* * *
Hours later,Ian’s face was streaked with sweat. There was debris from his rifle leaving a smoky haze on his skin, and exhaustion beat at him… but he wasn’t passing up his chance to order more flowers for his girl – or say ‘hello’.
He plopped down heavily in the computer chair and stared at the screen for a moment, before logging in.
Please let there be a response,he thought silently, and closed his eyes briefly in gratitude and relief as he saw June’s name pop up.
Clicking on it, he began to read.
Dear Ian,
I’ll admit I don’t know what to make of you – but you don’t stop trying, do you? I have six vases of every shape, size, color… and somehow, I know that there will be another one on Monday - which that thought alone is making me smile and giving me something to look forward to.
I received your box… the gift.
The scarf is beautiful, and pink is my favorite color. I have a terrible sweet tooth, and rarely indulge because the clothing I like doesn’t really allow for any wiggle room on the fitted seams. The mirror you sent was breathtaking… and reminds me of something a Hollywood Starlet would use at her dressing table.
I always thought I should have been born in another era, and wonder sometimes why people do or act the way they do. I guess I’m old-fashioned, which is part of the reason I’m struggling with this.
Something in me says I’m supposed to finish my days mourning my husband’s death… but I’m angry and feel guilty about it. I shouldn’t be blabbing this all to you, but no one understands. I need to get it off my chest, because it’s eating me alive. For two years I’ve tried to understand why my husband, my spouse, didn’t feel like he could tell me he had a drug problem… and realized that I’m not a good person. I’m the reason why he didn’t say anything.
Let me stress that: I’m not a good person, Ian.
You are wasting your time and money on someone who doesn’t deserve the kind words, the attention, the flowers. You make me laugh, but that energy needs to be focused elsewhere.
I need to stay in my lane, keep focused on the next task, the next sale, the next project, speech, award, or whatever… because I’ve got nothing else. I feel so pathetically empty with nothing left to give.
I appreciate the smiles you have given me – even when I wanted to shake you, throttle you, slap your outrageous mouth, or throw the computer (the temptation was there a few times).
Let Monday’s flower delivery be the last one as we say ‘goodbye’… okay? I don’t need any more vases – nor another ruined life on my hands.
I’m sorry,
June
Ian sighed heavily and put his face in his hands, feeling so tired and lost right now, wondering how he could open that doorway again with the woman that fascinated him. He sat there for several moments, before swallowing down that pain of rejection, determined to double-down on his efforts.
My little Minx,
I hear what you are saying – but assigning guilt for another person’s actions will not solve anything or change what happened. Do you think the world expects a woman in her twenties to be alone for the next sixty years or so? Would your husband want you to never smile, laugh, find love, or hold your own child someday?
I could joke around, make so many innuendos or comments – but I think you need to hear from the rarely seen serious side of me… and that man is aching right now. ‘Serious Ian’ is not as much fun – but he’s brutally honest.
As someone who witnessed the best and worst of humanity today – I’m just emotionally raw right now. I have to believe that if your marriage was so beautiful that it deserved such dedication? Then a husband who truly loved you for all the joy you brought him - should want more for you.
