Story based on a poem that I WROTE, called 'But You Didn't'

Stella and Mac had been together for five years now, and they were married.

Within a year of being together, she managed to crash his new car, an accident of course.

I thought you'd be mad,

When I crashed your new car,

But you didn't.

They had a child together the same year, but the following year, on a friends Hen night, a friend of Mac's kissed her, but Mac walked past at that point and caught them.

They had argued but their love was strong enough to cope, and survive.

I thought you'd hate me,

When I kissed your best mate,

But you didn't.

Many things had happened, they had been married, and they had two children. They had been together for three years, mistakes were made, but isn't that normal in relationships?

I thought you'd be annoyed,

When I turned your best shirt pink,

But you didn't.

In order to stay together, Mac had changed jobs, resulting in Stella now running the department.

Although he almost didn't get the job, because Stella, had made him late.

I thought you'd be angry,

When I made you late for an important meeting,

But you didn't.

Five years on and their relationship was growing strong, with a four year old girl called Jessica and a two year old boy called Ethan.

Problem was, when you sign up to the Navy, there is a period of time after you leave that you can still be called out on duty.

A problem arose.

And he was called.

The tearful goodbye, filled with a promise of a return.

And Mac Taylor left on a boat, waving goodbye to his wife and children for the last time.

She cried, for days, when she got a letter from the authorities telling her of his passing.

And the tears still haven't stopped.

I thought you'd come home when you served in Iraq,

And I thought you would be safe,

But you didn't.

Two weeks after she discovered he was dead, she received a letter from him, posted the day he died, she opened, it slowly with shaking hands and tear streaked cheeks.

"Dear Stella,

I can't wait to come home, I miss you and the kids with all of my heart. I love you, and I always will. Go to my bedside table, there's a box inside, a locket for you, it's a promise that I will come home safely, just like I promised you.

How are you? How are the kids? Have you been up to much? How is Jessica's ballet going? How are the team? Tell them I miss them too.

It's okay here, not too bad, I've stayed in worse, wish I was home with you though, I miss you so much.

Your photo is above my bed, and I remember your smile, it keeps me smiling, and helps me through it all.

Yours forever and always,

Mac

P.S please send photos of you and the kids, I know it hasn't been long since I left but I miss you all so much."

He was gone, she thought he would never leave but some things you can't control.

She would never stop loving him.

And she wasn't ready to move on, not without him.