When Laura and her husband left, Michael and Cam went out for a stroll. They held hands, and for a while, they walked in silence, each absorbed with the impact of the times through which they were moving. Light was turning into dusk and a feathery breeze brought them the fragrance of the lilacs that bloomed here and there in the neighborhood. Finally, Cam said, “I wish this was a forever moment.”

Michael stopped and hugged her passionately. “So do I.”

“Not here,” Cam said. “Not on the street.”

“You’re right!” he said, as he pulled her, and they ran into a vacant lot with tall grass and a scattering of huge shrubs and small trees. They sneaked behind an overgrown bush and giggled until Cam’s face was wet with droplets flowing down her cheeks. Michael pulled out a tissue. “Three cheers for happy tears,” he said, as he wiped them off.

Then, he quickly pressed her to himself until she could hardly breathe. “I’m going to war, Cam. I need something--a memory--to bring with me wherever I will go. Let it be this moment. He held her as if he would never let her go.

The smell of his after-shave lotion, and the warmth of his sturdy body, enhanced the moment, and Cam’s inhibitions began to dissipate. They kissed long and passionately.

Suddenly, Cam stiffened, and Michael felt the freeze. For a minute, he struggled with intense frustration; but then, as previously, he released her. This time, however, he would not let go emotionally. The thought of being away from her for a year--or years--prompted him to tell her his heart’s great longing. “We can’t go on like this, Cam. I love you so much; and I know that you love me. Will you marry me?”

This surprised her into speechlessness. She leaned against him and hoped he didn’t see her use her coat sleeve to brush away the new tears.

He did notice however, and started to feel uneasy. “Are those sad or happy tears? he asked, as he pulled out a tissue.
Cam just sniffled.

His face turned into a dismal frown. “I guess silence means they’re not happy tears. I know you love me. So, what’s wrong? Is it about me?”

“No. It’s about me. I can’t talk about it right now.”

“Nothing about you can be that bad. He pulled up her chin and looked into her eyes. “I’ll be leaving in two weeks to go overseas. We could get married at the base before I leave. How about it?”

Cam did not answer. She still seemed absorbed with something that he couldn’t break into. Suddenly, she erupted into a nervous laugher. “Hey, maybe we can elope. You know that I don’t care about white bridal gowns and bridesmaids tending to me. We could run away from everything and just get married.”

“Why run away? Are you afraid of something?”

“Of course not; but don’t you think it would be fun?”

Michael frowned. “You sound a little strange. Why are you talking like that?” Then, his questioning face turned to hurt. “Are you making light of this? Are you playing games with me again?”

Her face turned red, but it was now too dark for him to notice it. “Oh no! I’m so sorry,” she apologized emphatically. “I’d never do that. I love you so very much. Please believe me.”

“Cam, I’m leaving tomorrow. I need some kind of answer, and right now, you’re not acting very normally.”

“I’m truly sorry, Michael. I just wasn’t expecting this--certainly, not here!”

“Believe me, this was not planned. A few minutes ago, it hit me that we’re going to be separated for a long time, and I’m so afraid to lose you. Maybe you don’t love me as much as I love you, and it doesn’t matter to you that I’m leaving”

“That’s not true!” Cam jumped up. “I do love you. In fact, more than I can bear; but when it comes to marriage, I need time to sort things out.”

“Are you afraid of marriage?”

“Actually, I’m looking forward to it. Right now, however, it’s not just about my problem. There are other things to consider--for instance, the timing. How long will you be away? A year? Two years? Three years? It isn’t the best of times to think of marriage.”

Michael began to take on her anxiety. “I hope it won’t be three years, but who knows? We expect to win, but when? That’s unpredictable.”

She took his hand. “I promise that I’ll resolve my problem as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ll write to you very often.”

He sighed and put his arms around her. “I guess I understand.” Pause. “How strange life can be. Tomorrow, I’m leaving home and have to go fight a war overseas because a crazy guy across the ocean wants to overpower the world.” He released her, and stepped back a little. “He’s messing up all our lives. Doesn’t that sound bizarre, Cam?”

“War is bizarre,” she mumbled.