Mary Ellen knocked on the shed door. Emma hadn't appeared for breakfast. Thankfully it was Saturday, so she was off work. "Emma?" No answer. Finally a soft voice called out for her to enter. Mary Ellen did, and she sighed at the sight of Emma curled up on the bed, her eyes red rimmed and her hair around her face.
"Don't look at me." Emma's lip trembled and two big tears fell down her face. Mary Ellen gave her a stern look.
"Excuse me, we've known each other for twenty two years," She began, putting a hand on her hip. "I helped you take your first steps even though I was only three myself, I helped you take your first test in school, and I went with you to your first dance. You think I can't handle some tears?" Her tone became less stern as she sat down on the bed. "What's wrong?"
"Ben and I fought. About how he isn't needed in the war right now." Emma sat up, and walked over to the sink, where she splashed water on her face. "I also think we're a bit tense since we can't get pregnant."
"Oh, Emma, don't worry about that." Mary Ellen smiled. "I wasn't expecting to have John Curtis so young, but he's all I have now. You're only twenty two, you've got plenty of time." Her face grew sad, and Mary Ellen turned quickly. After Curt had died she was all torn up on the inside, but the same old Mary Ellen on the outside.
That night, Ben and Emma lay in bed, facing opposite sides. Emma was the one who broke first. "I'm so sorry, Ben. I get too stubborn around you."
Ben smiled and rolled over, kidding her cheek. "Nope, I'm the bad tempered one." He teased, holding her close. "But thanks." Emma rolled her eyes and shoved him playfully.
"I love you, so, so, much." Emma said into his ear.
"Love you more." Ben said tenderly, before they made love and went to sleep, curled in each others arms.
"Mr Walton, Mrs Walton, you're expecting a healthy baby, due in about January."
Those words were like honey to Emma's ears. It was March, and she was finally pregnant! Happy tears rolled down her cheeks as she embraced Ben and kissed him. At that moment, she realised how lucky she was to have her husband at this time when young women all over the country were losing their men.