Page 5 of Callahan

Being a single mom wasn’t going to be easy—even with help from both my family and Shawn’s. But looking down at my son, listening to his contented noises as he nursed…I knew any struggles would be worth it.

Chapter Four

Adam

Sergeant O’Shaughnessy was kind enough to drive me to the cemetery on the outskirts of town, citing he needed to patrol the area anyway for teenagers skipping school.

When he parked the car near Shawn’s gravesite, I was glad to see it decorated in American flags and flowers. I liked the idea of him continuing to be honored in death.

Instead of driving off, Brian got out and walked me to our friend’s grave. He stared at the marker for a minute before quietly placing a penny on the ledge of the headstone, next to an array of other coins and murmuring, “I’ll be back soon to see you, Obie.”

He placed his hand on my shoulder. “Take as much time as you need. I’ve got to check out the area,” then walked back to his patrol car, got in, and drove off.

I blinked back tears as I stared at the words on the stone.

Shawn Patrick O’Brien, First Lieutenant of the United States Marine Corps.

Seeing it in writing finally made it seem real. Up until now, I think I’d tricked my brain into believing he was simply away on a different mission.

I guess, in a way, he was.

“Hey, buddy. I told you I’d keep my promise. Sorry it took so long,” I said softly as I knelt on the damp grass. “I see they promoted you. I just finished with physical therapy.” I held up my twisted and scarred left arm and hand, flexing my fingers then making a fist a few times as if to show him the progress I’d made. “My contract was up, and I decided not to re-sign. Although I’m not sure what civilian life has in store for me. I guess I’ll see what happens when I get back to Lancastle.”

I paused, trying to think what else to tell my deceased Marine brother.

“I met your best friend, Brian. He’s the one who actually drove me here. I’ll bet you two were hellraisers in school.” I imagined the antics the two boys probably pulled when they were younger. “He’s taking me to your parents after I leave here. Hopefully, I can get the ring and give it to Lainey today so I can catch my bus tomorrow morning.”

I waited another minute before I stood and fished a quarter from my pocket to set on his tombstone. Knowing it symbolized I was with him when he was killed, I was surprised to see two other quarters in the mix of coins and wondered who else from our team had visited.

“I’ll be honest. I’m not sure if I’ll be back this way again, but I want you to know I’ll never forget you.” I laid my hand flat against the letters of his name. “I hope you forgive me; I promise to try and live a life that honors your sacrifice.”

With that, I slowly walked toward where Brian had parked his car further down the cemetery lane.

He gave me a sad smile when I opened the passenger door. “You ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

~~

We pulled up to a modest two-story home with white siding and black shutters. Both were in need of a fresh coat of paint, as was the railing on the wrap-around porch.

“Why don’t I introduce you?” Brian said as he put the car in park. “I haven’t seen Hugh and Teresa since the funeral.”

“Again, I appreciate it.”

Before we were halfway up the walk, the screen door slammed, and a woman appeared at the top of the front steps. She was wearing a frilly white apron over dark blue jeans and ablue and purple floral blouse, along with a pair of brown leather sandals. Her reddish-brown hair with streaks of grey was pulled back in a bun, and her twinkling baby-blue eyes were familiar. I knew she had to be Shawn’s mom.

With her hand on her hip, she declared, “Brian Michael O’Shaughnessy—where have you been? I told you not to be a stranger!”

“I know, Mrs. O’Brien,” he said sheepishly as he walked up the steps and kissed her cheek. “We’re short staffed at the department, and it seems like all I do is work.”

She smiled as she patted his cheek. “Well, you’re here now, so you’re forgiven,” then she turned her attention toward me.

Before she could ask, Brian introduced me.

“This is Adam Callahan. He served with Shawn in the Middle East.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she nodded subtly.

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