Part 10

Author's note: I am so, so, so sorry! I had it all planned: workout, then upload this story, but in the middle of my workout, I was called in, so I am so sorry this is 25 minutes late. I don't have too much to say other than this is a short chapter, and a huge thank you to everyone who has read, commented, favourited, and followed this story. If you guys want to know more about females in the army, and how they are treated, I would highly recommend reading The Lonely Soldier: The Private War of Women Serving in Iraq by Helen Benedict. It's based on the Iraqi Invasion of 2003, so more modern but not too modern. It's a real eye-opener and an amazing document of what women experience. If you also enjoyed Band of Brothers and The Pacific (which is most of you, I believe), I would recommend watching the HBO mini-series, Generation Kill. Like BoB, it's based off of real events as it follows the 1st Recon Marines during the Iraq Invasion. It's a lot more vulgar and doesn't have as many battle scenes as BoB, but it grows on you, and it's amazing! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy.

"So, spread, your wings and fly. Remember me, when you touch the sky. I'll always be, wherever you will go. So, fly away, dear sparrow"- Dear Sparrow by Breathing Theory

"Mom, you promised to play hockey with us," Adam protested as he held up the sticks and roller blades. Adri nodded beside him as she strapped on her own skates.

"And then the lake," she added. Her face took on a pink tinge from the hot, summer, Louisiana sun, which emphasized her dark eyes and the light scattering of freckles on her cheeks. The sun had bleached her hair so it looked more like straw than strawberry blonde. At 15 years old, she was getting a more womanly shape. Adri was still lanky, but certainly curvier than her mother had ever been. Griest smirked.

"Yes, yes, but I need to go to the bank or we won't be able to go anywhere."

"You'll be quick?" Adam perked up as he dribbled the hockey ball on the spot.

"Promise. Now, don't scratch the floor." She looked up and met Roe's eyes, mirroring his bright smile. She kissed his lips and squeezed his hand as their children gagged and voiced their complaints, but their eyes were light as they battled back smirks. It was endearing to see their parents' affections for another.

"You sure you don't want us to come with?"

"Nah, it won't take long. Set up the nets and warm-up; you boys will need it if you wanna beat Team Girl-Power."

"Nuh ah, you're going down!" Adam shot back. Griest chuckled and pulled her shoes on. She ruffled Adam's longer, neck length hair, which he refused to cut, and she squeezed Adri's shoulder.

"See you guys!" She called as she jumped out of the door. Roe raised a fist as Griest jumped into the car and drove off. She never returned the gesture.

Bayou Chene Post

Tragedy strikes in the heart of Louisiana today as Bayou Chene lost one of its own. Forty-two year old, Henrietta Griest, was killed today when five armed gun men attempted a robbery at the local bank. Police arrived on scene and killed two of the gunmen and arrested the other two, one remains in hospital in critical condition. Mrs. Roe was the only hostage killed.

Henrietta Roe, formerly Henrietta Griest, was born in Vancouver, Canada but moved to New York with her mother and older brother to help care for her uncle, who was a World War 1 veteran. Her mother, Betty Griest, was killed in 1949 after a collision with a drunk driver. Her brother, Corporal Christopher Griest was killed in World War 2 while serving the British Air Force. Her uncle, Ben Griest, died in 1945 from the injuries he suffered in World War 1.

Mrs. Roe leaves behind her children, aged 17 and 15 years old, and her husband, Corporal Eugene Roe. Corporal Roe served as a medic in Easy Company of the 101st Airborne Division, 506th Parachute Infantry Division during World War 2. There are rumours circulating that Mrs. Roe also served in Easy Company as part of a military experiment, but General Maxwell Taylor, the unit's commander, has refused to comment.

Mrs. Roe's loss has left a huge hole in the community as the country pauses and remembers her life...

"Do not go gently into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light"- Dylan Thomas

Author's note: DON'T KILL ME! Let me explain before I get an angry mob outside of my house. This story was always intended to be a series of one-shots of Griest's life after the war, up to, and including, her death. I was always going to include her death, and more specifically, how her family react to it. There was no version, or even concept of a story ending without this scene. I also have one more one-shot planned after the conclusion of this story, which takes place after her death. So, please, don't be too mad. Thanks for reading, let me know what you guys think, and don't hate me too, too much. Have a good one.