Chapter 1

His nervous eyes suddenly turned dark as his tender feet hide behind his mother. His chapped lips muttered some words as his sad face could prove that something troubled him. He looked timid as his ears tingled at the sounds he heard, which drew his attention to the scene displaying before him. He sensed the tears of children, wives, and mothers. They were at the train station and soon, those they came to say goodbye to would depart. It made him scared as his eyes met the gaze of the young man who intended to kiss his mother. The place he stood with his mother was rowdy, and it gave him goosebumps as his hands held the garment his mother held. His grip on the garment of his mother tightened as a young man waved at him with tears gathered in his eyes. It felt that was the last moments he would see the one person he looked up to. This lad had a lot of disappointment buried inside of him and had wishes to turn back time. Today was a day his lips had to mutter goodbye to his father who was a soldier and heading for the incoming war as the commander of the soldiers. His tender heart had to accept to let go for a while. His eyes scrolled at his mother, who had a proud look which hidden her fear. Her smiles had agony in them, but she needed to stay strong for their children. He could feel her shivering yet maintained a valor posture. His father embraced gave them a big family hug, squeezing them inside.

"Don't be scared, I would return" he whispered to his family and that statement made his son sober. The embrace was terminated, and his father rested his hands on his shoulders.

"Hey, don't act stubborn to mom…be a good boy…"

The words he spoke never found a place to stay in this boy's head as only tears took control, desiring another hug from his father but saw no need in it. He wished he could come along with his father and never wanted to say goodbye.

"Can't you stay behind, father?" He petitioned, and the young man let out a wry smile. It seems keeping up a fake smile by his parents would make him feel better as he had been gloomy ever since he found out his father was leaving for the impending war.

"Hey, dad has to fight to protect you" he bragged tickling his son and jerking him high up to cheer this depressed child. He dropped him down and brought out a whistle from his pocket, gave it to the boy and raised a thumb up.

"Always blow this when you feel lonely, Ryan…and I would rush to rescue you" he joked, and his son giggled while lazily falling into the arms of his father. His mother rubbed her blotted stomach as the child in her womb was leaping as though wishing to get a gift from its father. She widened her eyes and chuckled at her husband while joking that the baby needs its own protective item. The excited soldier drew closer to his wife and kissed her womb, gesturing that his love was his children protection. The boy snickered while folding his lips as his father stepped back to head inside the train.

"Promise you would return"

That was his final words to his father, who nodded and saluted at his family. He needed to leave and organize the young soldiers he was taking to war with him. This child watches his father fade inside the train while waving finally to everyone gathered. The honking and blaring train had begun, ready to depart. The rest soldiers chanted victory for the nation as they assured they would return to their home. Some families gathered here didn't want to leave their loved ones, who turn out to be selected for the war. However, they had no choice than to pray and hope for the safety of these soldiers. In a short while, the train began to trail off. The child gazed at the train and noticed his father standing by the vestibule end doors, whistling and waving at his son. He whistled back and suddenly began to chase after the train while his father smiled. This child ran as fast as he could, smiling back until he got to a point where he couldn't race after the train. He returned to his mother, who held his hand and took him away from the station. He tighten his grip on the whistle hoping his father comes to his rescue when he blows it.

****

It had been months since the soldiers' departure yet no news of them. However, luck seems to shine on the those patient to see the soldiers. News began to spread that they were returning and had won the war. He was the most excited to see his father, especially when it turned out that the day of their return was his birthday. His heavily pregnant mother had prepared the house beautifully to welcome his father. She didn't mind if pain coursed throughout her body, all that mattered was the love of her life was coming back as he promised, and keeping a pleasant surprise would lighten up the exciting mood. Happiness had found a way to dwell in this boy's heart. Both mother and son were engrossed in baking the cake when the doorbell rang. They didn't expect him to show up this early when he was the commander and often returned at night, but today was quite different. Nevertheless, they both chuckled mischievously to themselves. This child didn't wait for his mother to get the door and hastily stomped to get the door opened while his mother tread slowly from behind, blushing shyly. A broad smile had him, but it wades off immediately when he discovered who was at the door. He covered his palm on the door knob as his probing eyes demanded answers. It was a soldier who had a bandage wrapped around his head and a cap with different badges rested on both palms. His eyes were downcast, and it spoke on behalf of his lips. His mother's feet suddenly stopped moving as her breath had begun to cease as soon as her eyes met the cap in these soldier's palms. She was a distance away from her son as her chest burnt with grief. The soldier had no reason to say a word, as they understood by his actions what news he brought for them. This child's hands began to tremble while his eyes glared at the cap as hot tears had began to flood his eyes. However, his presence was drawn to a tremendous tumbled which he heard from behind him. He turned slightly to take a look at what caused the sound, only to find himself screaming;

"Mother!!"