The Next Morning

She says, “My heart’s compassion for you, young man."

LShe also notices a blanket lying on the ground beside the bed. She picks it up and puts it on the young man. As she leaves the room and ventures out into the kitchen to make herself a cup of tea, she goes to the TV and turns on the early morning news

TV Anchor Leslie Gold was preparing for the evening news. She is an attractive woman in her early 30's with flame red hair. Her eyes are a soft blue-violet color and she smiles as she looks into the camera.

“Hi. I'm Leslie Gold. Today, Ft. SanKinney is holding its annual Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Families are invited to come and participate in festivities that include meals and games. They are also invited to come and learn about the attack on Pearl Harbor. In other news...”

Karla hears someone knock on the door. She goes and recognizes the man at the door; it is Ret. Col. James Cantrell.

James, a man she adores, says, "May I come in Karla?"

Always happy to see James, she nods her head. James walks in and gestures at the coffee maker.

With a smile, Karla responds, "To your hearts content."
As James pours himself a cup of coffee and drinks it, he speaks up. "So how is the boy?"
With motherly look about her face, Karla responds, “Unfortunately, nothing new. He still looks very weak. I don't know what to do for him..."
James smiles back with , “Those loving maternal instincts, eh?"
Karla responds with a grin. "Oh, hush James."
James, with something in mind, says, "If you don't mind, I'm going in the guest room and take a look at the boy so I can see if I can dig up some info on him."

Karla responds with a nod. James walks into the room, and comes out a few minutes later.

James says, “He looks oddly familiar but I just can't place him."
Karla says, “Well, you better get going James before you forget."
James says, “Good idea. Talk to you tomorrow, Karla."

As James hugs Karla and gives her a peck on the cheek, Karla returns both and James leaves her house. Karla goes back into the guest room where the mystery man is and checks up on him. With nothing different, Karla goes back to the kitchen to finish her breakfast and then onto doing housework.

Later on in the evening, Karla comes back into the guest room to check up on the man. Nothing. She goes into her room and grabs a candle, lights it and puts it on the nightstand. She crosses herself and recites the Lord's Prayer.

Before leaving the room for the night, she says, “May GOD have mercy on your soul."

At about midnight, a barrage of blurred but powerful images buzz through the mind of this young man. So many wonderful memories spent with a wonderful woman. Such a unique love. Suddenly, the memories intensify, causing him much pain. He’s watching his girlfriend and then dealing with his own death. It’s so much pain that it’s almost unbearable. The young man quickly sits up in the bed and looks around. Dazed and confused, he wonders where he is and why he is here. With another failed attempt to remember, he gets up out of bed, walks out of the room and then walks towards what he assumes to be the master bedroom. He walks in and sees an older woman in bed. Walking slowly over to the bed and then looking down at her face, he takes his hand and presses his fingers at her face. A memory comes to mind..."I want to love you forever N...And I will love you too forever E...." He clasps his head in agony and stumbles for a second (not enough to wake up Karla though) and then the pain subsides. He decides this kind soul shouldn’t be bothered to take care of him and leaves the house for parts unknown.