Chapter 21 Preston never came back. In early fall, Luke-the neighbor boy who'd gone to Kingsport with Preston-returned to the base, his face haggard as he told me: "Colonel Shaw... he's missing." He had been trying to save a child from the flood when both of them were swept away by the current. It happened in the blink of an eye. Luke quickly added: "Colonel Shaw is the best soldier we have! He's had the most advanced training!" "He must have found a way to save himself. They'll find him soon, I know it!" I nodded, unable to speak another word. The following October, I went to Boston alone. On the giant screens in the square, I watched the spectacular Memorial Day parade we had promised to see together. The whole country celebrated. I thought about how overjoyed Preston would have been standing beside me. Life went on, day after day, year after year. Preston, who should have been found "soon," still hadn't returned. The Army presented me with the Medal of Honor - Preston had been awarded it posthumously. The certificate read "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty." With no Shaw family members remaining, I accepted it on Preston's behalf. The year I turned twenty-six, I received an enormous inheritance, along with news of Carter's death. He had been ill for several years, his health steadily declining until the end. One of Carter's cousins took over Foster Textiles, but his business skills were mediocre at best. The company deteriorated, with rumors of mounting debts. As winter approached, a mail carrier unexpectedly delivered a letter to me. He apologized profusely: "We lost a letter addressed to Colonel Shaw earlier." "We found it when the post office relocated recently." "I'm terribly sorry about this!" He asked: "Are you Colonel Shaw's family?" I didn't say much, just accepted the letter. When I opened it, I saw my own handwriting: "Preston, it's snowing in Boston. It's beautiful. I'll roll up a snowball and bring it to show you next time, okay?" Pain surged through me like an icy wind penetrating to my bones. That night I sat in the courtyard with the letter, watching the moon. Moonlight filtered through the trees, creating long, gentle shadows stretching ahead-extending toward an endless, bright future. I was still waiting for Preston to come home. 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.