When Margaret read the letter from Frank's wife, she broke down, the tears flooding her face like never before. She'd been through so much, wars, her career- but this was something that she had totally been unprepared for. Frank Burns was gone.

A stroke, his wife had wrote her. And yes, she knew all about Margaret and Frank. She'd made that perfectly clear in her letter.

Major Houlihan

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter to you. I suppose you're wondering what Frank Burns' wife would have to say to you after all these years. We'll get to that. But first, I wanted to tell you that I know about the two of you. Frank confessed after some prodding on my part. I can't say that I'm happy about your situation, but given recent circumstances, I suppose I can be grateful that you were there to comfort my husband during his time of need in ways that I couldn't.

Do I hate you? At first, I did. I threatened divorce. I moved into my dad's for two weeks. But after some persistence, Frank won me over with his apologies but more important than the apologies was the truth. He loved you, Major. It was, no matter what you think, no simple wartime fling for him. It was love. He loved you in ways that he could never love me, and for that, I suppose I have no one to blame but myself.

But the real reason for my writing you is not for clearing the air. To be honest, I could go the rest of my life without hearing your name again. But there is something I wanted-I had- to let you know. My dear Frank is gone. He had a stroke two weeks ago, and after lingering for some time, he finally succumbed to the ailment that ultimately claimed his life.

Our children are holding up surprisingly well. They never really knew their father. That was, until after the war. He came back a changed man, Frank did. Where before he never paid much mind to what the children or I were doing, he now started to pay attention, take notice of our lives back in the states. And for that, I suppose I should thank you.

I know my husband, may he rest in peace, wasn't an easy man to like. Heck, half the time I didn't even like him myself. But he was what he was, and for your influence, I can honestly say that I'm thankful.

I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but I thought that you could take care of letting everyone from your unit know, if that is not too much to ask.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Frank Burns

There was a time where the thought of a letter from Frank's wife would be the last thing Margaret needed. But she had loved him, despite how their relationship ended. She took out the one thing she had left of Frank- his army picture- and stared at it for a few minutes. Drying her eyes, she tucked the photo back into her closet where she'd kept many of her souvenirs. Yes, Frank would never be forgotten. He was a ferret face, but at one time, he'd been her ferret face, and for that, she knew she would have a lifetime of memories to be grateful for.

The end

In loving memory of Larry Linville.