This story is dedicated to Veterans of all wars & military branches.
Kel was clueless. He stared at the box that Dix had stashed in his office. He had no idea what was in it or what Dix was planning to do with it.
NOV.
11. Dix had the day off. She came in to get her box. Kel looked up at her and said “Hey Dix. I thought you were off today.
“I
am. I just came in to get that box. Thanks for letting me keep it in here.”
“Anytime. What’s in it?”
“American flags.”
“What do you want those for?”
“To
remember.” Dix said.
Kel
just looked at her quizzically. “Remember what Dix?”
Dix
just looked at him and said “Come with me and see.”
Kel
got up and said “I think I will.”
Kel
put his coat on and grabbed the box. On the way out he told Joe Early he was
going to be going with Dix.
“Ok
Kel.” Joe said. “I can handle things here.”
“Thanks Joe.” Kel replied.
Then
he & Dix left. Kel volunteered to drive her. “Where to Dix” He asked as he started the car.
Dix
directed him. She said "The veteran’s cemetery.”
Kel
went to where he’d been directed to go. “Why here?” He asked.
“Today’s Veteran’s Day. I can’t and won’t forget.”
It
then dawned on Kel, he’d forgotten she was a vet. She didn’t talk about it. Not
to him. Not to anyone that he knew of.
“I’m
sorry Dix. I forgot that you’re a vet.”
Dix
just smiled and said “It’s easy to do. I don’t talk about it. Grab that box and follow me.”
Kel
got the box and followed her as she put flags at the graves. He soon joined her in doing that. They kept it up until they ran out of flags.
Kel
took Dix to lunch. “Was it really bad Dix?”
“Yes
, it was.” She said as she told him some of her war time experiences. Kel listened raptly. When they finished lunch, Dix said she had a couple more stops to make.
“Okay Dix.” Kel paid the tab left a tip then they left. “Where to next?” Kel asked.
“The
florist. I have to get flowers for a couple old friends. They live at the
veteran’s home.”
Kel
drove her to the florist. Dix got the usual. Kel waited for her. Dix came out with the flowers. Kel let her direct him as to where to go.
They
got to the home. Dix asked Kel to help her deliver the flowers. He agreed. The gentlemen were sitting in the lobby waiting for her.
“Hello!” She said as she saw them. She went over and hugged them and gave them each the flowers.
“Who’s your good looking friend Dix?” Howard asked.
George, Howard, I’d like you to meet Kel Brackett. He’s one of the doctors I work with.”
“Hello." Kel said as he reached to shake their hands.
“These fine gentlemen were in my unit in Korea. They’re special friends of mine.”
Kel
sat down. George, Howard & Dix,started to reminisce about their time together in Korea.
When
Kel was asked if he was a veteran, he said “No Sir, but my dad is. He
was in World War Two. He doesn’t talk much about it tho.”
“That’s not unusual. Many vets don’t care to recall the horrible things they’ve seen.”
Kel
nodded in understanding. He just kept listening until Dix said "It’s time for us to be going.”
“It
was nice meeting you guys.” Kel said as he shook their hands again.
“Nice to finally meet you.” They said. “Dix tells us about the people she works with.” Kel smiled and saluted them. Then he took Dix home.
Just
before she left the car, Kel looked at her and said “Thanks Dix.”
“For
what?”
“Taking me along today. It was an educational experience.”
Dix smiled. “Never forget Kel.”
Kel
went home. The next day, Dix had quite a surprise waiting for her. Kel had ordered a bouquet of flowers similar to what she had given George & Howard. Dix read the card. It said: “Thank you for everything. Love,
Kel.” To Dix, that said it all.
I
don’t own the characters. Just borrowed them. George & Howard are real veterans. They were in WW2 not Korea. I just changed it for this story.
A sad footnote. Howard died Friday, Apr. 16, 2004 at the age of 86. He's missed by family, friends & all who knew him. Rest In Peace Howard.