"Madison, you can't go!" America shouted while following the slender brunette. Her hair was cropped short and she wore a flannel shirt and denim Capri's with high-tops. When she turned around to face him, Madison's warm brown eyes were hard and focused.
"Alfred, I already told you that I have to go. This is something I have to do."
"No, you don't." America grabbed her arm and pulled her closer. She dropped her duffel bag and placed both of her hands on his chest. Sometimes stubbornness ran high in both of their personalities, which could be very frustrating. But most of the time it translated into severe loyalty. That's what had drawn America and Madison together, and what had kept them with each other for three whole years. But now Madison was joining the military. America already feared the worst.
"Yes I do. Alfred, this is what I want. A chance to make a difference…to matter."
"You matter to me! I just don't want to risk losing you, Madison." He gazed tenderly into her eyes as he felt his own fill with tears. Oh great, he thought, the hero is crying. What else could go wrong? Madison stood on tiptoe on gave America a kiss on the lips. "You won't lose me Alfred. You'll just miss me." She picked up her duffel bag and walked toward the car. She turned around one more time to look at America. He smiled, waved, and walked back to the house. When he turned back, the car, and his whole world, were gone.
She'll be back, he thought. She always came back.