Heartfelt Goodbye

“Do me the honor of becoming my wife Ember. I do not want to live another day with out you by my side.” Phillip pleaded.
Ember smiled as tears formed in her eyes. She was torn. Do I marry Phillip and return to his home or do I go back to Winslow and my family? She cupped Phillip’s face and let the tears drip down her cheeks.
     “Phillip, I cannot marry you, I must return to my family. They believe I am dead, I must go and show them that I was not mustered out.” She cried.
      “I will go with you. Please Ember, do not refuse me. I know you love me as much as I love you.”
      “I do love you very much Phillip, but you must return home to your Mother and Father and younger brothers. Return and show them that you are safe.”
      “Damn you Ember, why must you say such things. I do not care if my family knows if I am alright or not. All I want right now is for you to accept my hand in marriage.” Phillip pleaded.
      “No, I can not Phillip. I must return home and so must you. I am sorry. Please know I will always love you.” Ember whimpered.
Phillip shook his head before pulling Ember in and kissing her strongly. When he back away he cupped her face one last time before helping her up onto the platform of the train.
      “Goodbye my love.” He whispered softly as tears ran down his face.
      “Goodbye Phillip. I will miss you.”
Ember boarded the train and sat down at a window seat looking out at Phillip and Major Washington who had come out and put his hand on his nephew’s shoulder. As the train started to move she blew a kiss at the two men who had saved her life. Even though it broke her heart she knew she was doing the right thing. After nearly two months she was returning home.