CHAPTER 1
It had been three weeks since Ethan left for Afghanistan, and so far, Danny missed him like crazy. She repeatedly found herself mulling over Ethan's last words before he left.
FLASHBACK
Danny was standing in the living room as she looked out the window of their two-story house. She turned to face Ethan as he walked in. Ethan was dressed in his army greens and as he got closer, Danny could see 'MAHEALANI' velcrowed upon his chest. She let out a deep sigh as she looked into her husband's eyes.
"Do you really have to go?" she asked, placing her hands on Ethan's chest. She saw the pain in his eyes. In the back of her mind, Danny knew the answer, but there was still a part of her that prayed Ethan had changed his mind.
Ethan sighed. "Unfortunately." He watched as Danny nodded her head and looked away. "Danny, hey, look at me." Ethan lifted Danny's chin; he could see the tears stinging her eyes as she tried to blink them away.
"Babe, you know if I had a choice, I'd choose not to go."
A tear rolled down Danny's cheek as she let out an exasperated sigh…"I know, I know."
Ethan pulled her close, never wanting to let her go. He stroked her hair as she sobbed onto his shoulder. He pulled back, wiping the tears from Danny's cheek.
"Hey, it won't be so bad; I'm only a phone call away and I'll write to you every day."
"Promise?" Danny asked
"I promise." Ethan looked at his watch; it was about time he started making his way to the airport. He picked up his bags and walked over to the door as Danny followed him out into the driveway. He threw his bags in the back and slammed the tailgate shut.
"I should really get going."
Danny shook her head in agreement trying to fight back the tears. Ethan pulled her close, cupping the sides of her face. His lips crashed into Danny's like a wave on the ocean.
"I love you Danny Mahealani."
"Love you more Eth."
Danny watched as Ethan hopped in the car. He buckled his seatbelt and started backing out of the driveway, looking in the rearview as his wife bid him goodbye. The scene eventually vanished as Ethan neared the airport; the tears spilling over his face and down his cheeks.