Chapter 10

A month had passed. Ben was finally strong and healthy again. The bruise on his forehead was gone, and that once nearly fatal wound was now just an ugly scar. It was sensitive, and it still hurt from time to time, but it was out of sight and healed. His face regained color, and the dark circles and bags under his eyes went away. As he combed his newly short hair one morning (it still felt as strange as if something had been amputated, but if something had to be cut off, he was glad it was his hair and not his arm), he studied himself in the mirror. His face wasn't too bad. The boyish freckles that had dotted his face throughout his teen years had faded. Sommer Sprossen, his mother used to call them, which meant freckles in German. She had come from Bavaria when she was eight years old to live with her grandparents in the colonies, and she used to always spit out German phrases here and there. "Mein Junge hat Sommer Sprossen," she used to say, which translated as, "My boy has freckles." Though dry, his lips were full. They were the type that made one want to kiss them quickly. That or for playing the flute. He was good at neither. His nose was pretty nondescript, as far as noses go. His eyes were a dark brown like his hair. Boring, boring brown. His body wasn't bad. He was tall and slim, but not lanky. He was muscular enough, but not to the point where he was bulging or anything. All in all, he deemed his appearance decent. Not that it really mattered.

As it turned out, it did matter. And not exactly in his favor, either, at least in his opinion. For some reason, they would have a dinner guest nearly every other afternoon, and all of them came with a young girl, usually their daughter or niece. Occasionally, Mr. Davidson would be invited to a friend's house for dinner, and he would take Ben with him. When Ben asked why he took him as opposed to William, his answer was, "Well, um-William is-um-not as mature as you." And he left it at that. Ben couldn't help but notice that the friend always had a daughter.

As the Christmas season drew closer and closer, Faith grew bigger and bigger, and more and more dinner guests were had. Ben found out why on the night before Christmas Eve. Everyone had gone to bed except his parents. He was thirsty, so he decided to go downstairs for some water. As he crept down the stairs, he overheard his parents talking in low voices. "...no interest in any of them," he heard his father say. "Many were quite pretty, I assure you."

"Maybe he never caught on that this was what we were trying to do," said his mother. "Still," said his father. "The boy is twenty-two years old. You'd think he would take an interest in at least one girl, whether he knows we are trying to set him up or not." That was it! That was why they had all the dinner guests with daughters! His parents were trying to set him up! "Did any of them take an interest in him?" Mrs. Davidson asked.

"It looked like it," Mr. Davidson answered. "That doesn't surprise me," she said. "As good-looking as he is. I am not just saying that because I am his mother, either. All the neighbors agree."

"And these girls were very good-looking," he said again. "I don't understand why he didn't show any interest. Twenty-two year old men are known for those kind of things."

"Not ours," she said with a small laugh. "I don't know where his interests lie right now, but I don't think they're on young women. I wish they were, though, just slightly. I think he'd be much happier if he was. He's seemed so...depressed lately, ever since he came back."

"That's war, Katja,"he said. "It can turn the merriest man bitter."

"Tis not just the war that's the problem," Ben thought. "Just the same, though," his father continued. "He would be much happier if he found someone. I think he just needs to wake up. He's always been a tad bit clueless." They were quiet, then Mr. Davidson said, "Well, I'm going to bed. We can talk to him about it later." Ben frowned. "Wonderful," he thought. "I can hardly wait."

The next day, which was Faith's third wedding anniversary as well as Christmas Eve, John came home. This, of course, made Faith very happy. It was evening when he got there. Everyone was in the parlor, Faith and Mrs. Davidson making clothes for the coming baby, Mr. Davidson reading the newspaper, and Ben and William engaged in a game of chess. A knock came at the door. Natalie got it, and in came John with snowflakes in his hair. "John!" exclaimed Faith. He grinned. "Hello everyone," he said politely. Mrs. Davidson sprang up. "Here, let me take your wraps," she offered. "Go sit by the fire, dear, you must be freezing!" "Thank you," he said, sitting next to his wife, who kissed him hello. Ben and William glanced at each other and grinned. "How is the baby?" John asked. Faith rested her hands on her huge belly. "Fine," she answered. "Tis coming close, too." He laid his hand on hers. "How is the house?" asked Mr. Davidson. "Beautiful," John answered. "It was a bit expensive, but definitely worth it. Tis brand new as well, and is on a good-sized property. It's not far from by office, either. Oh darling, wait until you see it!"

"I can hardly wait," she said, squeezing his hand. "It's near the midwife's house as well," he added.

"That's good," she said. "Between you and Mrs. Monroe, I should be able to send you out for her many times."

"Not too many times, I hope," said Mr. Davidson good-naturedly.

"Why, Father?" she asked. "I thought you wanted lots and lots of grandchildren."

"Oh, we do," said Mrs. Davidson, coming back in. "But remember, we still have two others to have their own children." "I'm fine, actually, thank you" said Ben. William grinned. "Don't worry," he said. "I'll make sure you have lots and lots and lots and-"

"All right, dear, you've made your point," interrupted Mrs. Davidson. "But for now, let's just focus on this one and the proud parents." Faith and John smiled at each other. "Well," said William, standing up. "I think I'll go to bed."

"Don't you want to finish our game?" Ben asked. William shook his head. "You just killed me three times in a row," he said. "No thank you." John stood up. "I think I'll do the same," he said. "It's been a long day. Faith? Care to join me?"

"Of course," she said, putting her sewing down. "Goodnight everyone." "Good night," they chorused. After they all left, it was just Ben and his parents. They were all silent for a while. Then Mrs. Davidson remarked, "They really do make a lovely couple."

"Aye," Mr. Davidson agreed. "That they do."

"Don't you think, Ben?" she asked. He just nodded and said, "Indeed." His parents glanced at each other. Finally, his mother said, "Ben, dear, there's something we'd like to talk to you about." He looked up. Here it was; the "talk" that had been mentioned last night. "Oh?" he asked. She patted the spot between them, and he sat. "Darling," she said. "What are your thoughts on marriage?" There it was; it was out. "Well," he said. "I think it's nice, but not necessarily for me." She nodded. "And why is that?" Memories from a few months ago came back. He cringed. Still too painful. "I-I just don't think I'd be able to love someone that much," he lied. "And I don't think anyone would love me enough to marry me." This part wasn't a lie. "Marriage isn't all about love," said his father. "Truthfully, nine out of ten marriages are business deals. That's what ours was"

"And then you ended up falling in love," said Ben. His parents looked at each other and smiled a bit. "That we did," said his mother softly. "I'd rather fall in love before I get married," said Ben. "The way it's supposed to work."

"Not necessarily," said Mr. Davidson. "Again, most marriages are business deals."

"And you're telling me this why?" asked Ben. His parents looked at each other again. "Ben," Mrs. Davidson sighed. "You are twenty-two years old. Your apprenticeship will be over soon. Tis time for you to start thinking about settling down and starting a family. We won't be around forever, and you'll be lonely if you don't. Besides, married people have a better standing in society than single people."

"Is that why you've been having over so many guests with daughters?" he asked. "To try to set me up?"

"Yes," said Mr. Davidson. "We've been trying to spark your interest in someone."

"Why?"

"We want you to be happy," said Mrs. Davidson. "We want you to get married and have children."

"Well, I'm sorry to tell you," said Ben. "But I didn't take much notice to any of them."

"You wouldn't necessarily have to," said his father. "A marriage doesn't have to be based on love. We could set up something and that would be that." Ben frowned. "How can you say that?" he exclaimed. "A marriage should be completely based on love! Society just doesn't seem to think so. I would rather die alone than marry someone I don't love and who doesn't love me! And as of right now, both seem to be the case."

"You're just stubborn,"said his mother. "Ben, you have more potential than you think. You're tall, you're handsome, and you've got a good head on your shoulders. You could have any girl out there without having to worry about rejection. You just won't open your mind to it." Those memories came again. "Not any girl," he said softly. "Not the only one I actually care about." His parents frowned, then Mrs. Davidson's face softened. "Oh dear," she murmured. "Who is it?" He shook his head. "No one," he said. "Forget what I just said." She stroked his hair. "Ben," she said. "What happened?"

"Nothing," he snapped. "I'm fine."

"We know you better than that," she said. "Hm? What happened?"

"I don't want to talk about it!" he exclaimed, standing up. "Tis none of your business anyway!"

"You watch your tone, young man!" scolded his father. "Don't talk to your mother like that!" Ben sat back down. "I'm sorry," he mumbled. She put her hand on his knee. "So am I," she said. "We won't talk about this again. But will you try to keep an open mind on the matter?"

"If you promise not to set me up anymore," he said.

"We promise," both agreed.

"Good," he said. "But I'm not promising anything."

His parents kept their promise and didn't try to set him up anymore, but he didn't keep his. He didn't try to keep an open mind on the matter, nor would he ever. If he couldn't have Diana, then he wouldn't have any other woman.

It was a cold, snowy, January night when Alexandra Winchell came into the world. Faith labored all afternoon, and at nine thirty in the evening of January third, 1782, her daughter was born. Mrs. Davidson, Natalie, and Mrs. Henderson, the midwife who had delivered Faith and William (she was in Richmond when Ben was born), all assisted with the birth while the men stayed downstairs. William absentmindedly rolled marbles, Ben curled up in a chair and read Robinson Crusoe, Mr. Davidson tried to make small talk, and John paced anxiously across the room. They heard Faith's soft moans from time to time, but nothing especially alarming. Soon her moans became louder, and at nine thirty they heard her suddenly scream, then go silent. They all looked at each other nervously. Then another cry was heard, a different cry, a good strong wail. A baby's cry. A moment later, Mrs. Henderson came downstairs holding a little bundle. Ben looked up from his book, and William looked up from the marbles. John rushed to her. "How is she?" he immediately asked. "Is she all right?" The old midwife smiled. "Who?" she asked. "Your wife or daughter?" A slow smile spread across John's face. "A-a girl?" he stammered. "Tis a little girl?" "Aye," said Mrs. Henderson, placing his newborn daughter in his arms. "A beautiful, healthy, baby girl." John appeared speechless. "How is Faith?" asked Mr. Davidson. "She's fine," answered Mrs. Henderson. "The birth went very smoothly, and she's just tired. She is absolutely fine, though." John marveled over his baby. "How beautiful she is," he murmured. "How tiny." Mr. Davidson stood next to him and smiled from ear to ear. "Our first grandchild," he said. Mrs. Henderson beckoned to his sons. "Come, boys," she said. "Come see your new niece." Shyly, they peered over their brother-in-law's shoulder. Ben held his breath. His niece. His tiny, beautiful niece. "Oh," he breathed. "She's beautiful," said William softly. Ben reached over and touched the tiny cheek with his finger. "She's so little," he marveled. "Tis hard to believe we were all this small and helpless once."

"She will grow," said his father. "Faster than we imagine." John held her closer to him. "My little baby," he whispered. "I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

The next morning, the first thing Ben did was see his sister. She looked tired but very content when he came in. "And how is our new mother this morning?" he asked with a grin. She smiled when she saw him. "Hello, Ben," she said softly. He sat at her bedside. "How are you?" he asked. "Do you feel all right?"

"I feel wonderful," she said. "Twasn't as bad as I thought it would be."

"She is absolutely beautiful," he said. "I think she even looks like you."

"Really?" she asked. "I think it's too soon to tell."

"I see it," he said. "Oh, Faith, congratulations! I still can't wrap my head around the fact that my sister is a mother!"

"Well, wrap your head around it," she laughed. "I know what you mean, though. I can scarcely believe it myself." "By the way," he said. "Have you and John picked a name yet?" She smiled and nodded. "Alexandra," she replied. "Alexandra Winchell." He frowned. "Alexandra?" he asked.

"What's wrong with it?" she asked. "Don't you like it?"

"No, I do," he said. "Tis a lovely name, just a bit...obscure. Where did you get a name like Alexandra?"

"I've just always liked the name," she said. "Tis different than your typical Elizabeth or Mary." He shrugged. She had a point there. Then he grinned. "Her name is longer than she is," he said. Then Mrs. Davidson came in. She smiled when she saw her two children side-by-side. "I see you've met our little Alexandra," she said. She stood next to him. "Isn't she perfect?"

"Absolutely," he agreed. "In every way." Faith smiled contently and lay back into the pillows. Then Mrs. Davidson said, "You should probably feed her."

"Will you help me?" Faith asked. "I'm not completely sure how to yet."

"Of course," said her mother. Then she looked at Ben. "Ben, dear, I hate to kick you out, but-"

"Oh," he said, realizing what they were about to do. "I'm sorry." He left the room, then smiled to himself. He was really an uncle. And truthfully, he couldn't be more proud of his sister, the wonderfully annoying older sister he had grown up with, played with, argued with, and secretly loved, though he would never say this out loud.

A few days went by, and Faith recovered quickly. She and John spent most of their time together, cooing over baby Alexandra. One evening, Ben walked by their room and overheard their conversation. He secretly watched Faith and John coo over their newborn. They gazed at each other lovingly, and John leaned over and gave her a long, heartfelt kiss. She smiled and gently caressed his cheek. "I'm proud of you," Ben heard his brother-in-law whisper in Faith's ear. "I love you," Faith whispered back. John gently touched his daughter's tiny hand. "Isn't she beautiful?" he asked. "I think she has your eyes."

"And your nose," she said. "My goodness, John..." She didn't finish her sentence. Normally, Ben would laugh at them and think them a couple of mush pots. However, the whole scene was so loving and heartwarming that he was almost envious. "Oh stop," he told himself . "What's gotten in to you?" Really, he reasoned, who needed marriage and babies to be happy? He knew he never would. It seemed like too much work. Having to put up with a wife, arguing, crying babies, energetic children, moody teenagers, wife's pregnancy mood swings, possibly losing her to childbirth, a wedding, vows, loving smiles, kisses, intimacy, first baby, undying love...oh, who was he fooling? It sounded wonderful.

Soon it was his last night at home. His mother made a big dinner, which reminded him of his last night with the Merrimans. How long ago that was! His father and Mr. Merriman had corresponded a few times, so they knew he was coming the next day. Though Ben had said he could go himself, Mr. Merriman had offered to come to Yorktown in the morning and take him back to Williamsburg. Even though the fighting was over, it was risky to travel alone. The British hadn't formally surrendered yet, and some were still lurking about.

As he packed his trunk that night, he thought back to the events of the past four years. Some good, like his friends, Faith's marriage, and Diana. Some bad, like death, being shot, cold, hunger, fatigue, Diana again...all right, there were more bad than good. Some soldiers lost their limbs, others their lives. Some came home with a few physical scars, but with many haunting memories that would plague them for the rest of their lives. The latter was Ben Davidson's case. He sighed. After all that, going back to the Merrimans seemed like going to Heaven. His mother then knocked on the door frame. "Do you need any help?" she asked. He looked up. "No, thank you," he said. She came in anyway and sat next to him on the floor. "What are you thinking about?" she asked. He shook his head. "Just reflecting, I guess," he replied.

"On the war?"

"Aye."

She put her hand on his shoulder. "I'm very proud of you," she said. "It takes a lot of courage to fight for one's beliefs." "Really," he said. "There's no need to be. I'm not some great war hero or anything."

"You are in my eyes," she said, stroking his hair. "And I love you very, very much." They sat in silence for a moment. Then she said, "I have something for you." She reached into her apron pocket and pulled out... "An engagement ring?" asked Ben with a frown. "Not just any engagement ring," she said. "Your great grandmother's." She placed it in his palm. "She gave it to me on my tenth birthday, and now I'm giving it to you." "Why?" he asked.

"It may come in handy someday," she replied simply. He fingered it. "It's pretty," he remarked. It was gold, with a diamond in the middle that sparkled. There were two tiny pink opals on either side of the diamond. "Opals were her birthstone," she explained. "She was born in October like you were. And a diamond is in every good ring, not to mention the birthstone for April." Ben smiled a little. "I doubt I'll ever need it," he said. "But thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, standing up. "Now I'd better go check on your sister and Alexandra." She kissed the top of his head. "Good night, darling."

"Good night," he said. She turned to leave. "Wait!" he called. "Mother?" She turned back around. "Yes dear?" she asked. "Just...nothing," he said. "I just wanted to say thank you. For everything." She smiled. "You don't need to thank me," she said. "You're still my little boy. You know I'd do anything for you." He nodded. "I know."

"Good," she said. "Now finish packing. I'll go see to Alexandra."

The next day was cold but sunny. After a big breakfast, Faith kept Ben company as he tossed some last minute things in his trunk. "You're leaving again," she said, holding Alexandra. He nodded. "Mr. Merriman should be here within the hour," he said. "Isn't that nice of him? He travels all day just to bring me home so I won't have to go by myself."

"This is your home, Ben," she said softly. "Your family is here."

"I know," he said. "Funny thing is, though, in the seven years I've known them, they've also become a sort of second family. Perhaps as one views inlaws."

"At least they treat you well," she said. "Not like a slave as some apprentices are treated." Ben shook his head. "I may as well be their own son," he said. Faith said nothing. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Nothing," she assured him. "I just hate to say goodbye to you again, that's all." "It's not like it was a few years ago, Faith," he pointed out. "I'm not going to war again."

"I know," she said. "And I know I'll see you again. It's just, well, all that time you were so sick, I thought for sure that we were going to lose you, and when we didn't...I don't know, I just never wanted you to leave home again."

"I have to," he said. "I'm glad to be alive, but I don't want to stay cooped up at home for the rest of my life."

"I know," she said. "And you shouldn't have to. I just felt so bad for you during that time. Well, naturally, because nobody wants to die, and really, who wants to lose her brother? But just looking at your lifeless face, I thought of all those things you'd never do. You'd never have your own store, you'd never love and feel a woman's love in return, you'd never see a bride-your bride-walk down the aisle towards you, you'd never experience that wonderful thing that is said to be the most intimate between a man and a woman-"

"Said to be?" he asked, a smile tugging at his lips. "Don't act as if you don't know, Faith, because you obviously do." He gestured to baby Alexandra in her arms. She smiled back. "All right, the thing that is the most intimate between a man and a woman," she rephrased.

"Well, it wouldn't have mattered anyway," he said. "I'll never be so fortunate."

"Oh, you will," she mused. He looked at her funny, and she quickly changed the subject. "Here," she said. "Would you like to hold Alexandra?"

"All right," he said slowly. "But I have to warn you, I'm bad with babies."

"I doubt that," she replied, placing the wiggly little thing in his arms. Alexandra opened her eyes and stared up at her uncle sleepily. Ben smiled a little. "She's awfully sweet," he said. He brushed his finger along her tiny cheek. "All of her," he said. "Her eyes, her fingers, her mouth, everything is brand new."

"I want to keep her in my arms forever and never let her see the cold, cruel world," said Faith.

"It will chew her up and spit her out like the rest of us," Ben agreed. Alexandra started fussing, so he handed her back to her mother. "There are good parts, though," she said. "She will see those parts."

"Does it feel different being a parent?" he asked, and she nodded. "You have no idea the responsibility I know feel towards her," she said. "But you will feel that towards your children when you become a father."

"Faith," he said sadly. "I think we all know that that's not going to happen." "You don't know that," she said. "Don't completely close your heart, Ben. I don't know what happened that made you so bitter about these things, and I'm not going to ask. But you might surprise yourself one day. Who knows? In five years, you may find yourself married with a newborn baby."

"I doubt it."

"I don't."

He smiled a little. Never had Faith sounded so sure. "Well, it would be nice if you were right," he said. "But-"

"There's no buts about it," she said. "I'm right about everything else, and I'm right about this. Just give it time." He was quiet for a second. This was the most encouraging she had ever been. "Thank you, then," he finally said. She smiled. "No need to thank me," she said. "Now finish packing. I've got to feed this one." And from then on, things were different between him and his sister.

An hour later, Mr. Merriman arrived. Ben was a bit shy at first. After all, he hadn't seen him in four years. He was upstairs when he heard the door open. He then heard his parents' voices, then Mr. Merriman's. It was almost as familiar to him as his own father's. He felt his palms grow sweaty (now that he thought about it, this had been happening more and more in the past year). Why was he nervous? William poked his head in. "Mr. Merriman's here," he said.

"I heard," Ben said. "I'll be right down." William left, and Ben examined himself quickly in the mirror. Hair-fine. Teeth-fine. Clothes-fine. Face-fine. Deciding his appearance was not bad, he ran a hand through his hair. "All right," he thought. "Here goes nothing."

Shyly, he went downstairs, and shyly, he entered the parlor where his father and Mr. Merriman were talking. When he first saw him, Ben felt like he might cry. Four years was too long a time to go without seeing someone, and there he was, just feet away from him! Mr. Merriman looked about the same. A little older, perhaps, and more weary, and his hair was starting to gray, but other than that he looked the same as he did four years ago. Ben didn't say anything until his father noticed him and said, "Here he is now." Mr. Merriman turned around, and a huge smile lit up his face when he saw his old apprentice. "Why, Benjamin Davidson!" he exclaimed, shaking his hand heartily. "We haven't seen you in forever, it seems like!"

"I suppose you assumed me dead," said Ben with a smile. "I'm sorry I didn't write for so long."

"That doesn't matter," he said, now hugging him. "You don't know how relieved we were when your father wrote us saying they you were alive and well." Then he let him go. "Well, stand up straight, lad, let me look at you." Ben obeyed. Mr. Merriman smiled. "Well well well," he said. "You leave a boy and come back a young man. I wouldn't have recognized you had I not known better."

"He's changed, all right," said Mr. Davidson. "But we're very proud of him." Ben smiled a little. His father was proud of him? "Naturally," Mr. Merriman agreed. "Not everyone can brag about their brave soldier. But we can, and even better, we can say that he made it home alive and intact!"

"Barely," said Ben. "How I'm alive to talk to you right now is a mystery to me. The odds of survival weren't exactly in my favor."

"You beat them, though," said his father. "And I can't tell you how proud of you I am for doing so." Ben felt his cheeks go pink with pleasure. Never before had his father ever said anything like that to him. And now that he did, it meant more to Ben than coming from anyone else.

Mrs. Davidson convinced them to stay for dinner, and soon the inevitable goodbyes came. Ben tried to make them quick, but it wasn't easy, especially parting with a five-day-old niece. There were hugs and kisses from the women, handshakes and "be safe"'s from the men. Finally, he said one last goodbye to his family (not forever, thank goodness) and took his place next to Mr. Merriman on the riding chair.

Ben learned that only Mr. and Mrs. Merriman (and Marcus and Rose, of course) knew he was coming home. They wanted it to be a surprise for the children, namely Felicity. "She has missed you," said Mr. Merriman. "We all have, but she has the most. She cried when you left, and she cried when she heard you were hurt. As far as she knows, you're dead." Ben smiled. "And that's why you didn't tell her?" he asked. Mr. Merriman nodded. "I just said that I had some business to tend to in Yorktown and that I'd be back late tonight," he said. "You probably won't see them until tomorrow morning. The children, anyway. Mrs. Merriman should still be up." They rode in silence for a while. Then he said, "Well, after being away at war for four years, I'm sure you have some interesting stories." "A couple," Ben answered with a smile. "I think I wrote about most of them, though."

"We heard about them through your letters to Lissie," Mr. Merriman said. "Whenever she would get one, she would make us gather in the parlor while she would read them aloud. She was always so pleased to get one. I think she kept every single one."

"I still have hers," said Ben. "I always enjoyed getting her letters. They always made my friends and me laugh. Which we needed."

"Was war what you expected it would be?" asked Mr. Merriman. Ben shook his head. "'Twas far worse," he replied. "Much of it was just sitting around camp feeling miserable! And all that walking and marching! Many men's feet bled from not having shoes and frostbite from snow. I was lucky; I always had shoes and decent clothes. Oh, and actual fighting was no fun, either. I nearly lost my arm, then my life."

"I know," said Mr. Merriman softly. "I know." More silence. Then he said, "We're all very proud of you, Ben. It takes a strong person to put his very life on the line for what he believes in."

"I'm just glad it's over," said Ben. "It definitely wasn't worth running away for, I'll tell you that much." Mr. Merriman laughed. "You were only fifteen," he said. "You didn't know better. By the way, exactly how old are you now?"

"Twenty-two," Ben answered. "Feel like sixty-two." Mr. Merriman nodded. "War will do that to you," he said. "To soldiers and civilians alike." Then he added, "I bet Felicity and the other children won't recognize you."

"I probably won't recognize them," said Ben. "Especially Polly. She was not even two when I left."

"They've all grown up well beyond their years," said Mr. Merriman. "Especially Lissie. She will be so pleased to see you." "And I her," said Ben. Another silence. He thought of Felicity and all the letters they had exchanged. He noticed a maturity setting in hers as the years went on. He wondered if she would have that maturity in person. After all, she was sixteen. He smiled. Little Lissie, already sixteen! He wondered if and how she had changed, as well as the rest of them. He wondered if their relationship would be any different now because of the war and the fact that they were older. He wondered if she still had the liveliness she had had when he left. So many things he wondered, and so many things he would find out. He had waited four long years to see them, and now it was just down to hours. Just a few more hours...

End of Part 1