Fall 1917

Edward woke up to the cool morning air. The sunshine had a warm glow as it entered the window. He adjusted the blankets to cover up his shoulder and rolled over to snuggle his wife but she wasn't there. He opened his eyes and noticed her vacancy from the bed was real. He then smelled the bacon that she was frying downstairs and his stomach rumbled.

Edward went downstairs and saw his wife standing over the stove turning the bacon with a spatula. She was already in her work slacks and button up shirt whereas he was in his sleep pants and t shirt. He came up behind her and kissed her neck where it met her shoulder. "Good morning," he said as he placed his hands on her hips.

"Morning sleepy head," Winry replied and turned her head to kiss him. "The coffee's ready and so are the biscuits. Just trying to finish this bacon," she said. Edward made his coffee and sat down at the table.

They didn't have much furniture yet because they were just starting out. They had a table and chairs in the kitchen and a sofa in the living room. And their bedroom only had a bed, Winry's vanity, Winry's dresser, and 2 nightstands. Edward's books were stacked on the floor in their bedroom. He still needed a desk. Eventually, after he would publish his book then he could afford to get one.

But Edward had another idea for a house project that he wanted to do, and he figured he would see if his wife was on board.

"Bacon is finally done," Winry said as she placed the bacon on a plate. Edward got up and got the jelly from the fridge.

"Winry, do you want strawberry or blackberry?" he asked.

"Strawberry," she replied as she brought the bacon and biscuits to their table.

Edward grabbed both jars because he wanted the blackberry and set them on the table. They sat down and started eating breakfast. While Winry was spreading the jelly on her biscuit, Edward put out his idea. "So I was thinking of building a vegetable garden on the side of the house when I get back."

"That would be nice. Your mom had a beautiful garden. She grew the best strawberries," Winry recalled.

"Yeah she did," Edward smiled warmly at the memory. "But when I'm gone for work, would you take care of it?"

"Of course. You'll have to give me a crash course. I don't have much of a green thumb," Winry said.

"Yeah, you have kind of a black thumb," Edward said. Winry looked annoyed. Edward clarified in a panic. "Because you work with oil and metal. You know, so your hands get grease on them." He held his hands up in surrender.

Winry sighed. She realized that he meant it innocently. But then she also got her own idea. "Hey Ed, you know that marker in the yard. Maybe we can plant some flowers around it." Edward nodded. He knew that marker signified his sin. Maybe some flowers around it would be nice.

"That would be nice Win. It's going be in the garden anyways. The sun hits that side of the yard the best," Edward agreed.

Winry nodded in approval. "So what are your plans for today?"

"Well I leave next week for 3 months so I have to do some laundry. And I was planning on visiting Mom today and ….. him," Edward still couldn't call him Dad. Sometimes he would say 'Father' but he avoided it when he could.

"That would be nice. Do you need some company? Or do you want to see them alone?" Winry asked. They would visit occasionally together but she sometimes preferred to visit alone.

"I'll be fine by myself. You've got a patient this morning, right?" Edward asked.

"Yeah, I have to leave soon," Winry said as she looked at the clock.

They finished breakfast, and kissed goodbye before Winry went to work with her dog, Eva, following her. Edward finished his coffee, got dressed, and headed to the cemetery. He had on casual slacks and a black sweater because it was cooler this morning. The grass was starting to turn brown. He approached the gravestones that were his parents'.

"Morning," he started off knowing there would be no response. "Well I have to leave next week. I have to finish my research out west so I can publish my book. That should give Winry and I a good start on our finances." He stared ahead and reflected.

"She's a good woman. She's making pretty good money right now but I don't want her to be over burdened with being the main source of our income right now." He paused.

Edward wasn't sure if his parents had a presence or not. But he had a favor to ask. "I'll be gone for three months. I'm excited about my trip but I don't like leaving her here. Could you watch over her while I'm gone?" He was met with the familiar silence again.

"Thanks," and he turn around to leave. He felt a gust of wind and left. He was never good at saying goodbye. But now he felt a little better. Maybe some kind of spirit would be watching over his wife while he was gone.