Through The Flames of War

as in full swing, pulling young men from their homes and thrusting them into the front lines. For Mary Ellen and Don, high school sweethearts from

with his dirty blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, was her anchor, steady and dependable. They had spent their high school yea

if acknowledging it would make it less real. Don held her hand tightly, his thumb gent

t you to go either, but we have to be stron

o being married, especially during the war. Mary Ellen would be provided housing and other benefits, and in the worst-case scenario, she would be better protected if Do

cate lace and ivory fabric complementing her natural beauty. She wove light purple flowers into her wavy hair, matching the bouquet she held. As she walked down the makeshift aisl

eremony was short but filled with heartfelt vows and promises. When the officiant pronounced

t knowledge that this was both a beginning and an ending. They danced under the st

g as the train pulled away, taking her heart with it. She clutched the locket he had given

hausting, but it kept her mind occupied. Eloise, who had lost her fiancé early in the war, moved in and provided muc

days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, with only a few letters ma

r it, hoping against hope it was news from Don. A young soldier stood there, holding a sealed envel

n words could express. He asked her to stay strong and promised he would come back to her. Tears

dier, her voice breaking

he first time in weeks, she felt a glimmer of hope. Don was alive, and as long as he was, she would ke