Page 1 of A Man in Uniform

Prologue

Lost Love Letters

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“Do you really haveto go?” My eyes peer up, tears resting on the thin edge of my lids. But I hold the tears in, refusing to let them out. I told him I wouldn't cry, and I'm trying like hell to stay true to my word.

My lip trembles as he smiles softly, ready to just let go of it all. He nods, running one thumb across my jaw as he holds my face.

I tip my head higher, allowing myself to embrace his touch. To feel his fingers on my face. To let the heat from his fingers burn my skin so I can feel his touch on me forever.

I want to be able to still feel him when he's not here. I want my skin to sizzle when I think about this moment, and the way his hand captures my jaw. He holds me, and for a split second a sense of comfort blankets my body.

His touch is strong, bold, secure. He knows I'm his, and I know he's mine.

But that sensation doesn't last, it swiftly dissipates into dust and blows away. I'm not ready to let him go. I'll never be ready to let go.

He's leaving for so long, and I'm going to miss everything about him. It's going to be three years with no kisses. Three years without his smile. Three years without smelling his cologne, and feeling the roughness of his cheek as it brushes against mine.

It's an eternity without him. I don't know how I'm going to survive. I can't even bring myself to imagine what it's truly going to be like when he's gone.

“I do, Story, I'm sorry. I wish I didn't have to, but I need to go. I made a promise to my country, and now they need me.”

Twisting my face, I kiss the inside of his palm, letting the weight of my cheek fall deeper into his hand. “I know.” I try to smile, but it's useless. My lips wriggle between a frown and completely breaking down. Tears are clouding up my eyes, maing it hard to see.

I can't see his face as clearly as I want to, and that makes me angry, and scared. What if I forget what he looks like? What if I try to imagine him and all I see is this fuzzy, blurry shape?

You'll always remember his face, don't be ridiculous, Story!

“I'll be back before you know it,” he says, digging his fingertips into the base of my skull and massaging my scalp. “I promise.”

“Don't make promises you can't keep, Wyatt.” My lids lower, and I sniffle, doing my best to stiffen my back. “You don't know what's going to happen.”

“Baby, I don't want you to worry, I'm coming home to you. I promise, and I always keep my promises, don't I?” I nod, letting a few tears escape with a single blink. He kisses my forehead, then releases me. “I love you, Story Brooks, never forget that.” Reaching down, he grabs his dark green duffle bag, and throws it over his shoulder.

“I love you too,” I say weakly, unable to hide the sadness consuming me. The tears fall, dripping off my cheeks and hitting the ground. I don't wipe them away, because I can't. My arms dangle lifelessly by my sides. I have nothing left but sadness. “You're going to write me, right?” I call out as he walks towards the bus.

“Every chance I get!” he yells back, giving me a slight wave as he turns, and disappears up the steps, and through the door.

This is the last time I'm going to see him for three years. . .The thought is crippling. My chest hurts, I can't breathe, and it isn't until I feel my father's hands on my shoulders that I finally fully break.

Whipping around, I bury my face in his chest as he holds me, hushing me silent just like he used to do when I was little. “Shh, Story, it's alright. He's doing an incredible thing, he's fighting for our country, for our freedom. We need men like Wyatt, he's going to be a hero.”

I nod, wiping the back of my wrist across my nose. I cant' speak, so I stay silent. The only sound coming out of me are the sobs of sadness.

“Come on, lets go home. You'll feel better, just give it some time.” My father guides me by the shoulders out of the bus terminal and to the car.

I want to believe him. I want to believe that my father is wise, and knows what he's talking about.

Time heals all wounds, right? That's what people say isn't it?

I can't hurt forever, can I?

But what does time really do for anyone?

It doesn't do anything except help you forget.

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