"Margaret!"
Sherman Potter was practically beaming with excitement upon seeing the blond beauty pull up into the driveway.
"Mildred! Margaret just pulled in!"
Mildred looked over to him as she sat down a bowl of fresh salad. "Well go let her in! I doubt she'll be gettin' any younger!"
He chuckled and went outside to greet her.
It was August 1956- just over three years after the end of the war. Every year, the members of the 4077th that have kept in touch decide on one person to hold a sort of reunion through a mass of letters and long distance phone calls. The Potters were given the honor of hosting the third reunion, which they had been eagerly planning for the past couple months.
"Colonel! Oh, it's so good to see you!" Margaret flung her arms around the old man and gave him a tight hug.
He chuckled, "Don't be a stranger, get your bags and come on inside! Mildred has lunch in the making, we were thinking that we could set up a couple blankets outside and have a picnic when everyone else arrives."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea! Do you two want me to help you move anything outside?"
The old colonel thought for a moment before nodding. "If it's no trouble, do you think you could help me bring an old table from out back in the storehouse out to the yard? We're gonna need something to put Mildred's cooking on."
"Of course, sir."
Margaret picked up her suitcase and followed him inside. Potter had the perfect place for a reunion. A lovely three bedroom farmhouse, which was perfect for housing a few guests, and a large countryside backyard.
Once inside, Margaret sat her belongings by an old wooden chair, caught up with Mildred, and walked back outside with Colonel Potter, following him to the storehouse.
It was a large wood building, just beside the driveway, with red paint chipping off every panel. It looked like it was once used as a barn, perhaps many years ago.
"Alright. Somewhere near the front should be a table."
"I think I see it," Margaret said, pointing to a long rectangular table, "is this it?"
The colonel nodded. "Sure is. Here, take that end and we'll scoot it on out."
The two tried with as much force as they could, but between how big and heavy the table was, along with all the piles of junk scattered around the shed, it was nearly impossible to lift it, let alone get it out.
"I'd ask Mildred to help, but you know how her hip's been botherin' her."
Margaret sighed, "Maybe we should wait until one of the others arrives, with a little more help I'm sure it won't take long to get it out of here and into the back yard."
Colonel Potter squinted at the dirt road through the opening of the doors. "Looks like we ain't gonna have to wait long, someone's driving by and it might be one of ours."
And sure enough, the car that the colonel spotted pulled into the driveway behind Margaret's car.
Both stepped outside and stood by the shed door, waiting to see who was the lucky duck that was about to help them on their trying task.
It was an old, small car, light blue paint chipping off and rusted doors. Margaret hadn't paid much attention to else about the car besides it's less than good condition, but her eyes drifted to the license plate.
Maine.