Operation Inkling Chapter One

 

"Again, Again!" I picked up my younger brother of 5 high in the air and twirled him around. His small giggles of enjoyment brought a joyous smile to my face. It was late spring when all the carnations and freesias bloom in an aurorally fashion. The blazing sun beat lightly on the two of us created an almost imaginary image, like the ones in children's books. Caleb just turned 5 yesterday, June 14 and I told him as part of my gift I'd take him to the Mayflower Field that I grew up around. The sparkling spring was only a quarter of a mile away and we would go there next.

"I can't believe you're not dizzy yet," I laughed as he jumped up and down, screaming for another round. "Ok, well you aren't, but I am."

"Sissy! Just one more I promise!" he pouted, using his naturally cute features to his advantage. I smiled playfully at him.

"You said that 5 minutes ago Caleb." I took one look at his pleading blue eyes and sighed in defeat. "Ok. One more."

He screamed in victory and hopped around all the blossoms and green. I picked him up as he ran away and started our little swinging game. I wish moments like this would last forever.

 

Only a week later, my little baby brother was kidnapped. Someone that had the same SUV as my parents arrived at his pre-school, picked him up, and he was never found. The police gave us sympathy, but that won't bring him back. It broke my heart, Caleb being the world to me. He was my shining star when I was down and the one that made me laugh when I was mad. He's my everything and now he's gone.

Although my parents weren't exactly ok with my decision, I made a promise to myself that I would fight to save others since Caleb wasn't. Maybe it's a protest, maybe it's just my way of proving to myself to be the best I can be.

"Rebecca! Your letter came!" my mother shouted to me one morning. I instantly woke up and scrambled out of bed, my legs tangling around my feet. My balance wavered and I fell face first into my bedroom carpet. I lifted myself up and detached myself from the pile of blanket, mumbling curses as I went. Finally free, I stumbled down the stairs and greeted my parents in the kitchen.

I took in the sight with a solemn face. I know I wasn't the only one that loved Caleb more than anything, but today seemed to bask in the aftermath of his disappearance. My dad's slightly gray hair seemed to double in count from just one day and my mom's make-up completely vanished from usual appearance, probably too troubled to bother with it. Our family was a complete mess and it showed; at least at home. We never were the type to let things that affected us show, even if it was quite noticeable.

"It's on the counter." She started pouring her strong black coffee into a light pink mug that I'd given to her for Mother's day last year. She gave me a slight smile before sipping at the steaming liquid that I detested. I tried to return a smile as well, but I knew it was evident that I hadn't smiled since the morning of that retched day. I instead focused my attention at the envelope that sat silently on the counter, just waiting to be opened. I picked it up and examined the front. It was the letter I'd been waiting for for the past month or two. I flipped it to the back and ripped the top crease of the white paper and opened the envelope slightly; just enough to grab the paper inside. I sat down instinctively on the counter even though I usually earned a scowl for it.

It was a letter that was lined in a deep forest green and had a pale green background. I slowly read through it, taking in every word before look up. My parents had stopped what they were doing and were turned to face me in anticipation. I let out a sigh of relief and they did as well, though they were still concerned.

I would be too if I'd let my 18 year old daughter join the Army.