I wrote this for creative writing today... but at the same time a lot of my personal emotion went into it and I feel really good about it. So, even though I never do this, I'm going to share my writing that I didn't write specifically for this blog (: It's not true to my life, you'll see what I mean when you read, but some will be able to tell where my inspiration came from...
Just to clear up confusion, the writing prompt had to have this sentence in there: "I couldn't help but notice the UPS package on the porch."
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I hoped this day would never come. It's inevitable, though, and I hate to face the fact that today he's leaving me. I stared at the neon 6:58 blinking in my face. In two minutes the alarm would start to buxx and he'd be awake. I choose to take these last two minutes to watch Jon sleep peacefully. 120 breaths later, the clock goes off and he stirs to a grumpy awakening. Rolling onto his side, Jon looks me straight in the eyes.
"Good morning, babe," he whispers. "How long have you been up?"
"Not long," I lie. "only a few minutes."
"Well, that's good," he responds, flashing me my favorite smile. I try to break one in return. I've gotten really good at faking. Jon shifts to look at the clock; it now reads 7:07.
"Make a wish," he says, as he pulls me in at the waist and kisses me. The butterflies in my tummy flutter just as they did when I first met him. After all this time, nothing's changed. It still feels the same.
The strength of his arms breaks too quickly, and he jumps out of bed to get ready for the day. He stretches his arms into his camoflauge prints, and laces up his boots. I throw on my favorite jeans, the first t shirt I rummage across, and a pair of faded flip flops.
"You ready?" Jon yells up the stairs. "We're meeting my mom soon."
I shuffle downstairs and we drive off to meet Jon's family. They all hug us both and we walk into the airport. A hundred other army girlfriends are all doing the same as I am- cherishing the last moments. Jon hugs his family and saves me for last.
"I'll miss you," he says as he pulls me close to him. "I'll call when I can. Don't wait around, though. Keep on living. I'll be back before you even know it."
I look him deep in the eyes as the boarding call for United Airlines, number 652 to Baghdad is made.
"I'll wait for you," I say as I steal one last kiss before I send my soldier off to war. I'm proud of myself for not crying.
Just over eight hours later I receive a text from a number I don't recognize. "I'm in Germany, thinking of you. I can't get texts yet so don't try to answer. Check the front porch. I miss you."
I snap the phone shut and fly to the front of our tiny house. I couldn't help but notice the UPS package on the porch. I bring it inside and tear it open. Inside was a blanket, all kinds of junk-comfort food, movies, and my favorite picture of me and Jon in a delicate silver frame. Attached to it is a note that reads, "Just a little something to help you through your first night."
So much for not crying.
