August 10th, 1975

     *Ann*

     I came home one afternoon from a church picnic. No one was home. Debbie was out at her mom’s. But I didn’t care. I was happy to be home.

     I started up the stairs. I couldn’t wait to play with my new dolls. But my plans soon changed. I was going into my room when I saw a light across the hall. Curious, I walked to it.

     The room was very elegant. Debbie must clean it everyday. I pushed the door open wider for a better look. The bright light blinded me temporarily. Gold was everywhere. Old silk covered the bed. The dresser was oak and cedar. Cigar smoke was in the air. I was in silent shock. I never knew this was here. What was this room? Why was it here?

     I walked to the dresser like a moth to the light. It had gold trimming on it. Three mirrors were on top of it. It was the most beautiful piece of furniture I had ever seen. Every detail was perfect. Even the craved vines and leaves on it were in sync.

     My small hands were drawn to the drawers. I slowly opened them. What I found shocked me. I found Beau’s .78 caliber handgun. I let my fingers curl around the cold steel. Strangely, I felt satisfaction from the broken treasure. I had to force myself to put down the gun and keep looking. I found an old switchblade of Beau’s. I ran my finger along the blade. I winced in pain and drew my hand away. I sucked away the blood from my fingers. The blade was still sharp.

     I put the knife away and kept looking. In the corner of the drawer, I found a small box of bullets. I ran my finger along the shells. Intrigue ran through my blood. This was all of Beau’s things from the military. Debbie made a whole shrine to her dead boyfriend. It was all an experience to me.

     Within minutes, I found Beau’s old army uniform and tried it on. It seemed to eat my small body, but I didn’t care. I felt like Beau as I straightened the hat on my head. I suddenly understood why Debbie was so proud of Beau.