Disclaimer: Anything you recognize belongs to JE.
A/N: I realize it's not all completely correct, but I was working mainly off of memories and the internet, so I had to take some creative liberties.
Please R&R!
The Price:
What it Means to Love a Soldier
Part Two
Two months later, Ranger got called up on a mission. We were in the midst of wedding planning, and decided to just get married down at the courthouse before he left and have the big celebration once he got home.
That was one year ago today.
Tank brought me out of my memories with a hand on my shoulder. "It's time."
I took a deep breath, stood up, and smoothed down my dress.
I turned to Tank, and gave him a hug. I think we both held on a little too tightly. I released him, cursing myself for already having tears in my eyes. I hugged the rest of the guys too – Bobby, Lester, Ram, Cal, Hal, Woody, and Junior. I heard the music begin, sounding vaguely patriotic, and took my place at the back of the line. They opened the doors to the chapel, and I thought, this is it. It was time for my walk down the aisle.
The guys lined up, four on one side, four on the other, and as one, they lifted Ranger's casket to their shoulders.
We all slowly marched down the aisle, following Ranger to the altar, where the men set down his casket. I knelt in front of it for a moment, kissing my hand and pressing it to the flag, before I took my place in the front pew next to the Ranger's men.
I forced myself to hold it together while one by one, the people who knew Ranger best stood up and talked about the man he was. I couldn't listen. I knew who he was. He was brave, loyal, honorable. He was kind, and generous, and passionate. He was mine.
When it was my turn, I shakily walked toward the podium, clutching my notes. I wanted to get this right for him. Ranger deserved it.
"Ricardo Carlos Manoso was the best man I knew. He always, always believed in me. He told me once that there was no price for what we give to those we love. Ranger loved his country. He served with honor, and dignity, and pride. He served to protect those who couldn't protect themselves. He died so that we could live without fear. He paid the highest price - he gave his life for our freedom. For that, he will never, ever be forgotten.
He was the best thing that ever happened to me. My life was chaos, until he stepped in and became the peace in the middle of my whirlwind. He was my heart. He was my light. And my world will forever be dimmer without him in it."
I stepped down, turned toward his casket, and told him that I loved him, that I would always love him, that I would miss him with every fiber of my being until the day I died and could see him again.
I went back to the pew and stood as Tank stepped forward to begin the final roll call.
"Sergeant First Class Brown." Tank's voice boomed out, echoing in the confines of the chapel.
"Here First Sergeant!"
"Staff Sergeant Ramsey."
"Here First Sergeant!"
"Sergeant Santos."
"Here First Sergeant!"
"Captain Manoso."
Silence.
"Captain Ricardo Manoso."
Oh god I can't take this.
"Captain Ricardo C. Manoso!"
This isn't happening. He's gone. Oh God he's gone.
I jumped as the first round of shots was fired outside the chapel.
Then again.
And again.
The guys were up at his casket, standing at attention. As the first strains of Taps were played, they began folding the flag, and that's when I lost it. I completely lost it. Taps was playing and this shouldn't be happening and he can't be dead. But he is, he's gone, and I will never feel his arms around me, I will never hear him call me Babe, I will never again hear him tell me he's proud of me.
I leaned against Hector as I tried to pull myself together. Tank was walking toward me, the flag in his hands. His eyes were full of pain but his voice was steady as he intoned,
"On behalf of the President of the United States of America, the United States Army, and a grateful Nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your husband's honorable and faithful service."
He gently handed the folded flag to me, spent shells resting on top. I held it to my chest, giving in to the tears again, sitting down and folding into myself, sobbing, with the flag. This was what I had left of my Ranger. This was all I had left. A folded flag and my memories.
He gave his life for his nation, and now our future, our happiness, our joy at having found each other, it was all gone. Ranger paid the price for serving his country, and I did too. He took my heart with him when he died.
Ranger's men once again lifted his casket and marched back down the aisle. I followed, eyes on the coffin that held my soul, and listened to Taps resonate through the chapel.
Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the skies
All is well, safely rest;
God is nigh.
Then goodnight, peaceful night;
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright.
Sleep in peace, comrade dear,
Friend, goodnight.
A/N: I wrote this for Memorial Day in honor of all our fallen troops, past and present, and the loved ones they leave behind.
Let freedom ring.
