I'm Sorry
By:Kari Jo

Hey, Danny. We got married yesterday. It was a beautiful wedding, Danny. Ev wore a long white dress, even though her momma had a fit about her wearing white, what with little Danny and all. We named him after you, buddy. He's a beautiful little boy, Danny. He looks just like you did when we were kids. I didn't have a best man Danny, 'cause that spot's reserved for you. Red was my groomsman, and Sandra was Ev's bridesmaid. At the reception, we had a memorial for you, Betty, Anthony, and everyone else who died. Danny, I miss you. I think about you every day. Hey buddy, Ev's calling me. I'll be back later.
--
Danny, our son's growing up. He's a big boy now, and Rafe's promised to teach him to fly when he gets big enough. He says he's a perfect copy of you.
Danny...I'm so sorry. Whenever I see your grave--God, Danny, your grave--I just want to start crying. And I do, sometimes. Sometimes, I just start sobbing, because I feel like it's all my fault. Every day, I think about it. I think that if I had told you about the baby, you wouldn't have gone, and you'd still be alive. If I had just told you, instead of being so selfish and--I am so sorry, Danny. It's all my fault.
--
"Ev, it's not your fault."
Evelyn looked up, tears glistening in her eyes. "Rafe...if I had, if I had loved him more, if I had loved him enough to tell him, to make him stay, he'd be here right now. He'd be alive, Rafe. Alive. Not dead. Not buried here under this stone." Evelyn's tears had fallen and she shook with uncontrollable sobs.
Rafe put his arms around his young wife. She buried her face in his shirt. "No, Ev. He would've gone anyway. He would've gone on the mission, and probably got shot tryin' to save me, still." He stroked her hair, running his fingers through the silky strands. "Baby, that's how he was. Stop blaming yourself. It's been three years now, Ev. Too long to keep blaming yourself."
Yeah Ev, it's not your fault. I would have gone anyway. Don't let me spoil your perfect happiness.
The two grieving lovers looked up. Danny stood there, the Tennessee landscape visible through his uniformed body. Rafe stood suddenly. "Danny? Are you--are you really here?" The specter nodded.
Evelyn wobbled as she climbed to her feet. "Danny--I'm so sorry, Danny, so sorry."
Danny smiled. Don't be. You wouldn't have been happy with me, anyway, Ev. You would have always been wishing for Rafe. He took two steps forward and placed his hands on her face. A chill ran through her, the she couldn't feel his skin. I have to go now, and I can't come again. But, Ev, don't blame yourself. And Rafe--take care of my little boy. And I know you'll teach him to be the best pilot ever.
Danny's ghost faded out, and the pair stood looking at the Tennessee fields in twilight. Rafe wound his arm around Evelyn's waist, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. "I told you not to blame yourself. I don't blame you, and Danny doesn't blame you either."
Evelyn looked up at Rafe. Her eyes were still bright with tears. "Thank you. I love you, Rafe." He only smiled and stroked her hair.
-end-

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