Now that things are picking back up and I’m trying to get back to somwhat of a schedule, I’m going to work on getting some blog posts written and scheduled for the summer.
But anyway. Today is Memorial Day and if y’all know anything about me, you know I’m not about to let the day go by without some sort of patriotic post. ;) In a world where so many see this weekend as just another holiday, we need to remind people that it’s so much more. Countless lives have been given in order to preserve our freedom. It’s our responsibility to make sure that we don’t forget the price they paid.
If you're in the mood for a little short, patriotic read, I wrote a flash fiction piece that I've posted below. I hope y'all have a blessed weekend. <3
A shout broke the eerie silence and they whirled around. Before his partner could pull the trigger two shots were echoing in the stillness as they both fell to the ground. His shoulder burned like fire and pulsated down his arm. But Joss… the large dark stain that had soaked the front of her uniform made him forget his own injury as his heart nearly stopped. No. Not her. Not here. Not now. Fighting his own pain, he crawled toward her and cradled her head in his arms. Her breath came in short, labored gasps, and her eyes flashed around wildly. He could see the agony written across her face as her arm reached up to clutch his uniform. “John, I—”
She stopped, unable to go on. The gurgling in her airway could only mean one thing. John swallowed against the sudden rush of emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He’d seen many deaths. He’d been the cause of many. But not like this. Not his partner in his arms as she choked on her own blood.
Joss opened her mouth again, making an effort to speak, but John shook his head. “No, don’t try and talk.” He took a deep breath and clenched his teeth. He wasn’t going to break down and start crying. Not now. His emotions could not get the better of him. He needed to be strong - for her. “It’s going to be okay, I promise you. Just focus on your breathing. Focus.”
Her eyes met his and didn’t look away, catching him with a desperation that tore at his insides.
She was dying. She knew she was dying. And there was absolutely nothing he could do to save her.
The dream was always the same. Her death, in every last horrifying detail. John took a deep breath to try and gain control of his beating heart as he sat up on the edge of the bed. He was getting tired of the nightmares. Tired of reliving the same thing over and over again.
He’d been able to save a lot of people. For better or for worse, he’d made it out of every mission alive. He’d obeyed orders and never looked back.
But he hadn’t been able to save someone when it mattered. He hadn’t been able to save his partner.
He made his way over to the window of the modest sky-rise apartment he called home. The sun was just barely rising over New York City, and already the city was coming alive. Running his fingers through his short-cropped hair, he made his way to the kitchen. A hot cup of strong coffee. That’s what he needed. Then it was time.
He’d only been to the cemetery once since she died. But he couldn’t remember much of the funeral. It had seemed too routine. Too rehearsed. It had fallen far short of honoring who she really was.
Not only a dedicated officer, but also a loving mother. A fighter. Someone who cared about others more than she cared about herself. A friend. He had to see her one last time before the next mission. Before he shipped out again.
A light spring breeze that flirted with summer drifted across the cemetery. Rows and rows of simple stones stood out in stark contrast to the lush, green grasses that surrounded them.
Small flags had been placed by many of the graves, including hers. One small flag to honor such an immense sacrifice.
Kneeling down by her grave, John rested his chin on his hand as he studied the headstone.
Joss Cartwright
1981-2014
U.S. Army
How do you sum up a life on a gravestone? John shook his head. It was impossible. He’d come here ready to say something. Goodbye, maybe. He was ready for closure. But this wasn’t the way it was supposed to be. She’d given so much, yet she had died while he lived. He had no family. No one who cared.
But Joss had. And now her son would grow up without the person who’d loved him the most.
Why? It was the one question he couldn’t wrap his head around. Why her and not him? There was so much injustice in the world.
But Joss … she’d fought for justice. For what was right. And she’d believed in it with every fiber in her bring.
She’d fought for freedom. So that everyone could have a chance at a better life. She fought for her country because she believed in the values it stood on. She’d been willing to die for it.
And she’d want him to do the same.
The thought hit him hard. She wouldn’t have wanted her death to distract him. She would have wanted him to keep fighting. To keep protecting the innocent.
As hard as he’d tried to stop it, a tear trembled in the corner of his eye and trailed down his cheek. She’d fought for freedom. For what she believed in. He’d keep fighting for her. And he’d do his best to make sure no one forgot her sacrifice.
He stood and ran a hand across his face, wiping away the tear tracks. She was done fighting. She’d given everything. Now she could rest.
But not him. He wasn’t finished yet.
He stood there a moment longer, then gave a quick salute. “Thanks, Joss. For everything.”
All gave some. Some gave all. Remember.
