Ben Jacobsen crouched in the sandy dirt outside the latest building his unit needed to clear. Busting through the door, he and his unit stood in an abandoned room containing only a dusty table and two broken chairs. He released the breath he held. Turning to leave, he halted as his wife’s face flashed on the screen of his mind. Stay focused.
Of course, he’d returned to Al Asad Airbase for this third tour of duty just three days ago. Still, he relived and longed for the time he had spent at home with Alyssa. She’d proved to be the real hero, holding down the fort at home on the base in California with two kids.
He smiled, recalling her strategy for making up for what he’d missed while away. His whole furlough had been filled with celebrations. Avery’s fourth birthday, Dakota’s eighth, and their tenth wedding anniversary.
Back at his living quarters, he prepared for supper, still unable to clear Alyssa’s face from his head. He ambled into the dining hall and absentmindedly accepted the offered tray of food. He plopped down in a seat and immediately bowed his head in prayer, thanking God for safety today for himself and his unit. He added a plea for strength to complete this tour. Homesickness proved overwhelming. His head raised and eyes opened to Captain Kilgore standing near.
“May I?” The captain indicated the seat across from Ben.
“Sure.” As he picked up his fork, the captain still sat unmoving, staring straight into his eyes.
“Ben…” Captain Kilgore’s voice trailed off. He blinked as if to stave off tears.
Ben sat up straight and replaced his fork. “Sir?” Could something be wrong with one of the men? He counted today’s maneuvers as successes with no incidents, only safe soldiers.
Captain Kilgore cleared his throat and shoved his tray of food to the side, leaning closer. Whatever he was trying to say must have been somewhat confidential. Ben gave his undivided attention. “Ben, I don’t know how to…”
“Captain, please just tell me what’s happened.”
“I received word that your wife, Alyssa, has been killed in a car accident. Ben, I’m so sorry.”
Ben closed his eyes and tried to breathe past the ache in his chest. His head shook in disbelief. He’d just seen her. He swallowed at the lump forming in his throat and looked into the captain’s eyes. “Are you sure?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“I have to go home. My kids...”
“Of course.”
