Promises Sacrificed

The casket lay draped in an American flag and rested upon an onyx stand. Sara slipped quietly into the room. Step by agonizing step, she crept closer. The reality had not yet set in -- until now. Her eyes welled with tears. It couldn’t be true. She’d told herself. He promised me, damn it. He promised me.

Her fingertips brushed the flag. She felt the cold metal beneath. One final step and she stood right next to it, her palm fully flush now. A single tear slid down the side of her nose and curled onto her lip. The salty taste surprised her.

What were you thinking, Mark? We have three children. We needed the money, but they need a father more.

She rested her head on top of the flag and peered down the red and white stripes -- straight and military style.

“Why?” She yelled as the walls echoed the sentiment. The hollowness consumed her.

“A second tour you said,” she whispered. “ 'Just one more and we’ll move off base. I promise, I’ll come back to you Sara.' ”

“Well what about them, Mark? Our children!” She screamed, and pounded upon the unyielding steel casket with all her might. “One more tour. You bastard. Now, I’m all alone!” She wailed, as tears gushed from her eyes and fell to be absorbed into the fabric of the flag. Her ragged breaths being the only sound in the emptiness.

She closed her eyes and felt the cloth upon her cheek, and the coolness upon her arms and hands. For two minutes she lay, not wanting to let go. “I know you’re in there, but I’m out here… and I need you. Oh, God. I need you,” her hushed voice cracked with every word. “I love you, Mark.”


297 words
Flash Story Contest Entry Must include the line "I know you're in there..."