The train station was filled with prayers and sorrow. It was packed with family and loved ones not so ready to send off their men for war, the soilders trying to reassure them and let them know that everything will be okay.

Mary tried her best to hold back the waterfall of tears. She fanned her face to stop the tears from streaming down. George sighed gave his wife a poignant look, he knew she was trying to stay strong for their daughter and it pained him deeply to leave them both. “Honey,” he said as he removed his Garrison Cap and held it tightly, trying his own best not to get emotional as well. She cut him off with her frantic panicking “well, what if you don’t come back? W-What am I supposed to do if I get a envelope in the mail instead of you at the front door?” Her heart was racing with the fear of losing her husband and losing the father to their daughter. Little Eloise looked between her mother and father. Her mothers panicked making her panic a bit as well.

“Is daddy not gonna come home?” She pouted, she was starting to get antsy as well about the situation, even though countless times her father had let her know that he would be fine. George shook his head “no, no,” he said strongly. “Nothing will happen to me. I promise.” He swore. He bent down to his daughter and took her hand “Daddy is going to be okay. Do you trust me?” Eloise pouted and looked at him like she was on the verge of tears as well. “You promise? But how will me and mommy know you’re okay?” She whined. He felt a bit doubtful. Breaking a promise is the worst thing you could do. He took her little hand and forced a small smile hoping to make her feel less nervous. “Don’t worry, I’ll come home soon, okay? Even if I’m not here physically,” He tapped his finger on the left side of her chest where her heart would be “I’ll always be here.” A subtle reassurance just in case he didn’t come home.

Eloise nodded and her eyes started to water, she immediately wrapped her arms around his neck to hug him “I’m gonna miss you a lot daddy.” The moment broke Mary and she couldn’t stop the tears after that, she was hysterical. George picked up his daughter and brought his wife into the hug, kissing the top of her forehead and trying his best not to cry. The train roared, letting everyone know that it’ll be leaving in a few. His wife tried to regain her composure back but it was hard. His daughter tried her best to stay strong “I’ll pray every night daddy so God can protect you.” She said, still holding on to him so tightly. “I love you guys so much.” He replied to them both. “I’ll be fine.” Though, he wasn’t so sure. George handed Eloise to her mother as the train roared once again. He put his cap back on and took a deep breath. “I must go now.” He said remorsefully. Mary started getting hysterical again “please be safe! I love you so much!” She cried out, holding Eloise so tight in her arms. He fought back the tears, gulping the lump in his throat as he nodded “Goodbye.” He said, giving one more strong embrace to them. It was longer than the other and it felt more painful to bare knowing he was about to leave the people he oh loved so much.

He reluctantly gave them one last farewell, the ache in his heart growing stronger as he walked closer to the train. Once inside he sat in one of the seats close to the window, watching his wife and daughter continue to wave at him. The conductor rung the bell, letting everyone on board know the train was leaving. His heart pounded as the train wheels slowly screeched on the tracks, it wasn’t until he couldn’t see his wife and daughter anymore then the waterworks came. The realization set in that he wouldn’t see his beloved family for a very long time.

I’m struggling a bit with writing emotions and setting the scene and pacing. I feel like the ending went by too fast 😅 so all feedback appreciated!!