Chapter 19 Preston looked at me in the moonlight, his features both strong and gentle in the silvery glow. In a flash, he was once again that young man I first met. I had called out to him when he was seeking death in despair, and he had taken in a helpless, drifting child. I suddenly remembered how he carried me on his back when we first met. He was much thinner then, but his shoulders and back somehow seemed so broad and strong. All these years, we'd maintained this almost telepathic connection. I had barely finished the thought when he came over and crouched in front of me: "It's been years since I gave you a piggyback ride. Let's see if you've gained any weight." With misty eyes, I climbed onto his back. He carried me through the moonlight toward home, toward our endless, bright future. He sighed: "Still so light. You need to eat more." I buried my face in his shoulder, saying nothing. The streetlights outside the military housing area came into view. Aunt Martha stood by the entrance, chatting with other military wives. Preston carried me past them. After a long while, I heard him say very softly: "Eleanor, I'm sorry." My muffled reply: "You have nothing to be sorry for." His reluctance to leave the Army, to slow down-it was all because he missed his parents. Sometimes, I missed my parents too. It's in our DNA to miss the people who brought us into this world. Neither of us could help it. Early the next morning, Preston made breakfast, cooking extra oatmeal with fresh berries. After we ate, he stored the leftovers in General Miller's refrigerator. He said he might be late coming home and told me to heat it up for a midnight snack after my As we left the house, the base seemed unusually busy. shift. Chapter 19 Groups of people stood around, discussing something with worried expressions. and I walked over, and I heard Aunt Martha saying: Harrison River is rising rapidly. Kingsport is facing a major disaster." Joseph is organizing a military team to help with the rescue efforts..." I turned to see Preston's grave expression. In that moment, something sharp and invisible pierced my heart. I knew that, once again, no one could stop him from going. The Shaws had always put duty above everything. Preston's parents died serving in Vietnam. His grandfather gave his life on the front lines of WWII, refusing to retreat even when seriously ill. As I said goodbye to Preston, I repeated: "Let's go to Boston together for the Memorial Day parade next year!" This time, Preston didn't remain silent. The summer breeze brushed against the medals on his uniform. He reached out and gently held my wrist. He said: "Eleanor, I'll come back safely." 'But if something-" I cut him off: "I'll be waiting for you!" I wouldn't listen to "if." I would wait for him to return. In "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" by CrushReel, the storyline unfolds as renowned photographer Jane finds herself drawn to the charismatic rookie model, Hector. Little does she know that Hector harbors a secret—he is actually the heir to a powerful business empire. As their romance blossoms, Hector grapples with concealing his true identity to capture Jane's heart. However, their love story takes a tumultuous turn when jealousy rears its ugly head, threatening to unravel the delicate balance they've built. This modern romance novel delves into themes of hidden identities, unexpected love, and the complexities of maintaining a relationship shrouded in secrecy. With its blend of sweet romance and suspenseful twists, "A Relationship Kept in The Dark" stands out for its exploration of hidden feelings and the consequences of revealing long-held secrets. For readers seeking a captivating tale that combines elements of romance, intrigue, and emotional depth, this ongoing story is available to read at CrushReel. Immerse yourself in the world of Jane and Hector as their journey unfolds against the backdrop of hidden truths and heartfelt revelations.