Fly Away

"I have to go," he said softly as he embraced her. He could feel her warm tears as they feel against his neck. "I don't want to but you know I have to."

"You come back," she stuttered in her broken-English. It was as much a command as a plea. The edge in her voice. "We have baby coming." Leaning back, he pressed his lips to her forehead and spoke softly.

"Bian, I will be back. I promise." She pulled him in again. After a moment he pulled away, grabbed his gear from the little grass hut and went out the door. She watched him go, hand to her stomach watching. It wasn't the first time he had left for several days and he always came back.

Setting his gear in the jeep Frank yelled out.

"Johnny! Let's go! We gotta get back." From around the corner another soldier came rushing up to the jeep.

"Jeez man. Calm down." Johnny replied tossing his gear into the vehicle. "They aren't gonna miss us that bad LT."

Frank smiled and said. "They might boy. They might." Hoping in the vehicle Johnny started it up. Then, with a wave they were off. Frank took just a second to glance back. Bian cradled her stomach with both hands, just beginning to show. The tears still running down her cheeks. For a second he felt a pang of guilt but knew he was leaving anyway.

The trip back to the base was quick, and he reported back to his barracks to grab the rest of his gear. He heard the chopper ramping up as he grabbed his gear.

"Ready to fly LT?" Johnny asked carrying his duffel bag.

"Sergeant, that's music to my ears." Boarding the chopper, he took a look back. Then got on board. He was heading home. Melissa was waiting for him, and there son Daniel. Vietnam would be just a memory.