Ranger sat there amongst the row of young men. Most of them inexperienced in combat, a few of them a few years in the military, but just fresh out of Ranger training. These young boys didn't know what to expect, but he did. He knew all to well what modern combat was like. He had already experienced combat at their age. He knew combat, but war was something else. Never had the US military engaged in a full out conflict in modern war against an enemy who equalled them at some level.
This wasn't Iraq or Afghanistan they were facing. They be up against a western trained army if you call it that. They had the capability of inficting mass casulties on the US and her allies. They already did.
He had been spending that day with her, that peaceful wonderful morning which was shattered with the President's announcment. He had decicded to take time off with her as he felt they both needed time alone and far away from work as possible. Stephanie had a way of being curious to say the least. She liked to help others, but loved to be nosy and Ranger knew all to well how much trouble she seemed to stumbe on or into.
Ranger had just ordered the two of them coffee when someone had hushed all the customers and turned up the volume on the television. All eyes were now drawn as the headline read 'WAR' and the president gave his speech. When the speech had finished everyone was talking. As usual some brushed it off and others didn't stop talking about it.
Stephanie though had gone quiet. Her hand reached over to his and he squeezed it gently. His thumb running over the back of her hand. Ranger smiled at her and they ignored the voices around them. If only he knew then, that eight months later he would be sitting here now.
Barely two months had passed and already the War's casulties were returning home. The news broadcasted on every network as the bodies of fallen heroes were brought home to be laid to rest. Something at that moment stirred in Ranger. He knew what it was and knew what he had to do. He had to help, he had to renlist. His thoughts plagued him for another month as he watched more coffins draped with the Stars and Stripes return from overseas.
Stephanie had tried to talk to him and he had tried to explain what he was feeling. She had cried when he told her the news he was renlisting. She had yelled and pointed at the scrren pleading that he not become one of them. He assured her that would never happen but it wasn't enough. She needed more assurance, for in war nothing is certain.
The army was glad to accept him back. With a distinguished career and combat experience he was the type of man they needed. Tank his loyal friend had renlisted with him and the pair of them had been tasked with training the newly passed out recruits. Now with is all over they were heading overseas.
It was at that moment that Ranger realised he never said goodbye properly. He may never see her again. He was afraid, but not of dying no. He feared he would forget her. Forget her sweet smell, her soft touch, her lively ans stubborn spirit, her gentle yet contageous laugh that made him chuckle, her warmth on those cold nights, but what if he forgot her name. he feared that the most.
I will continue this.