Disclaimer: I own nothing. Matt, Amy, and Shane own themselves.

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It was Matt's first day of fighting in Iraq. He had gone through a few weeks of weeks of training and then he was sent off. Matt's troop consisted of 18 other men and women, many of them had been drafted like himself.

Matt sat in the tent, his temporary home for the next few months, next to the only friend he had been able to make since his first week of training, Shane. Matt and Shane were in similar situations. They were both drafted to war and both left their significant others behind. But unlike Matt, Shane was already married and his wife was expecting their first child in a few months.

Matt was depressed. Not just because of the war but because today was the day he was supposed to get married to his soul mate Amy. Today was the day he was supposed to vow to spend the rest of his life with the woman he loved. He could almost see her walking down the aisle, tears in her eyes, looking stunning in her beautiful white dress. Just the thought of it brought tears to Matt's eyes. He held the locket tight in his hands and then kissed it.

"I love you Aims," he whispered. Shane saw the distant look in Matt's eyes. "What's wrong man?" Shane asked.

"We were supposed to get married today Shane. I am supposed to be at home with Amy right now, in front of our family and friends, exchanging our vows, and getting ready for our honeymoon. But instead, I'm halfway across the world, fighting in a war, and I'm only twenty-two years old. This fuckin sucks man!" Matt said, tears cascading down his cheeks.

"I know. But you can't let it get to you like this. Otherwise, the war will beat you. You have to be strong for yourself and for Amy. Just hold on, everything will get better," Shane encouraged Matt.

Matt let out a sigh, "You're right. I can't let it get to me like this. I just wish I could be home right now."

"We all do man. We all do."

A single light was on in the tent that Matt and Shane were sharing. Both Matt and Shane were writing letters back home.

Dear Amy,

I have only been gone for a month but it seems like forever since I have felt your presence. I started missing you the moment I let you out of my embrace and stepped on that plane. I wish that I was there with you right now than here. We were supposed to get married today, but now that will have to wait until I return. Your love will keep me alive and I will fight to return to you so that we can get married one day Today is my first day being in Iraq. I have one friend here so far who trained with me, Shane. We're both in the same situation. Drafted to war leaving loved ones behind, but Shane's wife is going to give birth to their first child in a few months. We both can't wait to get home just like everybody else here. Shane and I have each other's backs to ensure we make it home safe. I just want this war to be over so I can be with you again.

Love always, Matt

Matt and Shane both finished up their letters, turned off the light, and went to sleep. It was going to be awhile before they returned home.

TBC..

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Another chapter up! Thank you to very one who has reviewed so far. Please keep it up; I enjoy reading your comments. Like always, I should have another chapter up soon.

~*~*Megan*~*~