Chapter 12
Home

A little while later, they received news that the Doolittle Raiders were on their way home. Danny, Evelyn, and all of Rafe's family flew to Hawaii. The wives, sweethearts, and children were all gathered at the airfield to await their arrival. They did not have to wait long. Soon the low buzzing of an engine was heard, and the crowd became restless as the plane was taxied toward them. Finally the door was lowered, and Colonel Doolittle stepped from the plane. He was received with a honorable applause.

Then, pilots began filing out of the airplane. Some with a broken leg, some with no leg at all. This courageous act had certainly taken its toll. Evelyn held her breath, and found her legs carrying her closer and closer to the plane. Rafe's parents, older siblings, and younger brother all found it hard to breathe. Rafe had not yet come from the plane. Then he appeared from the fuselage of the silver bird. Evelyn shaded her eyes, and felt her heart jump with joy. Danny was behind her, feeling almost the same way Evelyn did. His best friend, his brother, was finally home.

Evelyn was too distracted by the happiness of seeing Rafe again to notice someone following close behind him. She embraced him tightly making the stranger behind Rafe grow angry, and quickly storm away. Rafe had tears in his eyes. It had been so long since he had felt Evelyn. He knew he would never be able to kiss her or hold her as he had done before, but, oh, how he wanted- He opened his eyes, and noticed Devonny Berenger leaving him behind. Rafe realized why, but decided to take in his last moment with Evelyn before he chased after her. When he let go, Danny was hugging him, and after that his family. He never saw Devonny again.