The Ghost of You

The train whistle blew, sounding off that they boys had to leave us. Women everywhere on the crossings started to cry hysterically, clutching on to their husbands. I looked over to my left and saw Frank and his fiancee, Jamia, pinned up against the wall, their tongues battling each other's for dominance. They were newly engaged and in perpetual bliss. I had to give them credit; most couples these days didn't even bother with engagements. I shrugged them off and looked down at my sons as they battled each other for their father's affection.

"You be good for Mama, you hear me?" Mikey commanded them, kissing their cheeks.
"Yes, Daddy," Jamison answered him, his little lisp coming out.
"I will, sir," Alex shouted, saluting him.
Mikey laughed at this and ruffled his hair, kissing his cheeks over again. Finally, he stood up and looked at me, a sad smile on his face. Tears started forming at his eyes and I wiped them away with my thumb.

"Stop that, baby. It's only a few months."
"How can you be so calm about this?" I sniffled. It was his first time going overseas and I've dealt with death at the hospital more times than I cared to count.
"I've mentally prepared for the worst, babe," he whispered, kissing me softly.
"That's reassuring," I chuckled. We've always had a dark sense of humor together.
"I'll have him back in one piece, alright, babe?" Gerard smiled at me, kissing his nephews goodbye.
"Don't say that to me unless you mean it, Gerard."
"Alright, fair enough." He hoisted Jamison on to his hip and stared into my eyes, cupping my face in his hand. "I promise you-- I'll bring your husband home."
"Okay," I sighed, kissing his cheeks.

**

"Bye, Daddy!" Jamison lisped, waving his pudgy little hands at the passing train.
"Take care of your mother, Alex, you understand me?" Mikey hollered out of the window.
"I will, Daddy!"
"Ronnie, I love you!"
"I love you too, Michael!" I sobbed softly.

Soon, the train was out of sight. Women remained on the crossings, sobbing as they all held each other. I felt a pair of hands rub my back and I knew instantly that it was Jamia. She hooked Jamison on her hip and played with his long dark hair.

"He'll be home before you know it, honey. They always are."

Notes

Hey! So my babe and I have decided to start a new story together. Feel free to message either of us about concerns or anything like that. I don't really know. Enjoy!