The Parting: A Big Relief

Charlotte sat in the booth in deep thought. Her heart ached. While it felt good to comfort Nancy, now she was ill at ease. Was Jack dead? She didn’t feel the same terror Nancy displayed nor did she wake in the middle of the night. Nevertheless, the emotions in Nancy’s eye unnerved her.

If Jack was dead, what would she do? The two of them discussed marriage and she fully planned on getting married to Jack. Fear began to creep into her heart. A tightness gripped her throat and she felt tears beginning to well up in here eyes when a figure slid into the seat across from her.

“Hey there, how is your day going?”

Bob initially was smiling but the moment he saw Charlotte’s face, concern and compassion washed over him. He asked, “Charlotte, what’s wrong?”

At first, Charlotte didn’t want to talk about it but not because she didn’t want to share everything on her heart. She wasn’t sure Nancy would want her to mention it. Still, she felt the need to talk and requested Bob not to mention a word of it to a soul. Bob agreed.

Bob patiently listened as Charlotte related what she learned from Nancy and how she and John all agreed to pray and have faith until they hear otherwise. It was maddening that Jack hadn’t returned any emails and made everyone all the more concerned. Bob said little. He just absorbed it all and then said, “Do you need a hug?” Without thinking Charlotte said yes.

Bob got up from his seat and went around to Charlotte’s side of the booth and put his arms around her in a sideways hug. Bob’s arms seemed to convey true compassion and empathy. He said, “I know I can’t fully understand how you feel but I do care. Any time you need a sounding board, let me know. Whenever you need a hug, just tell me. You will get through this.”

Charlotte said thank you and began to cry softly. Bob hugged her again. Then there was a vibrating sound coming from Charlotte’s purse. She reached into her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Charlotte’s whole disposition began to brighten and a smile returned to her face. She excitedly patted Bob’s hand and when the call was over she related the contents of the call.

Nancy had spoken with Jack. He was ok. He hadn’t been able to reply to any emails since he was not on the base for a few days. He couldn’t mention any details but a friend had been hurt but not badly. The main thing is that he was alive and counting down the days until he returns. Charlotte leaned over, hugged Bob, let out a big sigh and said, “Thank you.”

“I’m happy for you and I’m glad Jack is ok.” was the reply.