1 Chapter 1: Prologue (Robert)

"Ladies and gentlemen, as we start our descent, please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you."

Robert shook-off his drowsiness. 'What was I dreaming about? I can't remember.' He looked through his window. 'Am back home huh?' Seeing the mountain range memories welled up. Through misty eyes he unconsciously grabbed his dog tags under his shirt. 'Honorary discharge is not bad I guess.'

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Denver International Airport. Please make sure one last time your seat belt is securely fastened. The flight attendants are currently passing around the cabin to make a final compliance check and pick up any remaining cups and glasses. Thank you."

'Feels different coming home' Looking around at the civilians on the plane, Robert felt out of place, an outsider. 'To only have to worry about work and payments. Waking up at eight and saying it's too early.' He silently chuckled to himself. 'Would that be me in a few months?' Robert enlisted four years ago, his unit got deployed a month after graduating from AIT. The Army leave that he got, he used to visit Europe. It was the first time back since.

The plane shook as the wheels made contact with the runway.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Denver International Airport. Local time is 2:28PM and the temperature is 79 fahrenheit .

For your safety and comfort, please remain seated with your seat-belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat-belt sign. This will indicate that we have parked at the gate and that it is safe for you to move about.

Please check around your seat for any personal belongings you may have brought on board with you and please use caution when opening the overhead bins, as heavy articles may have shifted around during the flight.

On behalf of American Airlines and the entire crew, I'd like to thank you for joining us on this trip and we are looking forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice stay!"

One of the things Robert learned in the Army was, patience. He did not mind waiting for the rest of the people to get their things. 'Good thing I shipped my bags.' He chuckled. Looking around he notice the glare of a few people who avoided his gaze. 'Haha, they probably think I am demented, smiling to myself for no reason.'

Robert shrugged, once you experienced war, the things he used to worry about seem insignificant. Seeing the majority leave, Rob reached for his guitar case. He took after his dad in height, reaching 6' 2. It was very easy to get his guitar. Robert remembers very clearly the day his father gave him this guitar when he turned 8 years old.

"This is called Seagull S6, it is an acoustic guitar. Your uncle Ben said it's the best for beginners." A tall blonde with a bright smile said.

"Thanks dad!" The little child was full of smiles and awe looking at the guitar.

The tall blonde patted the young boy. "You know your mom started playing the guitar first as well?"

"Really? She also played the piano right dad?" The child seemed to idolize the guitar more and more. Looking up seeing his father stare blankly at nothing the boy called out again "Dad?"

Snapping out of his contemplating. "She would have been very proud of you son." The strong emotions coming out seemed inconsistent with his manly build. He hugged his son. After a moment they separated. "Where is your sister Rob?"

"She is in her room watching The Fairly Oddparents, she already ate." Robert replied while trying to look like an adult.

"You must remember you are the older brother right?" The tall blonde tried to sound sternly while grinning with misty eyes.

"I know dad" The little guy rolled his eyes. He suddenly remembered and asked "Dad, how come you don't teach Ally Spanish too?" He thought it was boring learning it by himself. "No one in school speaks Spanish."

The tall blonde laugh and replied "You know she is still young, she is only four. She should get the basics of one language before learning another. She is not a genius like you." He grinned as he patted his son again.

"Dad! I am 8 now! Am no longer a kid!" Robert replied seriously, even though he secretly enjoyed it.

"You will always be my child. Why don't you go get Ally so we can split the cake, huh?"

Snapping out of his reverie. He noticed he was one of the last ones on the plane. He had gotten first class seating. Which is on the front, he should have been one of the first ones out. Now the only people left where a few seniors who might be handicapped and a young blonde female wearing glasses. He chuckled softly 'The sun is very bright inside the plane huh?' Making sure he had everything with him he walked out of the plane.