Remember Dreams

by Ginny Sterling

  What do you like to do for fun?

  Hobbies? Favorite foods or pastimes?

  By the way – loved the puzzles, roasted sweet pecans, and the soap. You are quite a person, planning it out with all the little boxes and absolutely right – it brings a little joy each day knowing I’m going to be opening a treat from you.

  Thank you again – for everything.

  Ben

  (Mr. Watson is my dad)

  P.S. – I mailed you something, too. Did you get it yet?

  Marigold let out her breath in a whoosh as she read the email. Awww! He seemed so nice and polite! She wasn’t sure where John got the description that he was brooding. He didn’t seem like that in the slightest bit. Hitting reply, she began typing away happily.

  Dear Ben,

  I was overjoyed to get your email and hear that you’ve liked the gifts so far. I hope you continue to enjoy them. I mailed another box on Friday, so you should get it next month… hahaha!

  That was a joke.

  Thank you for explaining about the slow mail – I was beginning to wonder if I’d overstepped my bounds by even writing. I don’t want things to come off as weird, but I don’t know of a person out there that couldn’t use another friend in the world. Email is so much easier and I’m sorry to hear you get access only once a week. Bummer. I guess patience is a virtue and it would do me some good to wait so I can savor your words. Right?

  Thank you for the compliment.

  Usually one dreamer recognizes another deep down inside… so even if you don’t think of yourself as heroic, just know that you are special. A heroic dreamer – a fine mixture of two great things. Everyone has scars, it’s how you let it affect you that shapes your world.

  I would love fresh blackberries someday. Maybe if I can clear a spot out of my garden, I could put in a bush or two. There’s nothing better than fresh blackberry jam (or any jam for that matter!).

  I love flowers, roses in particular. My nana used to spend hours with me in the greenhouse and I just fell in love with the process of blending the colors together. I enter a rose every year in the Tyler Rose Festival and vow to win (or at least place) eventually. The thorns don’t bother me so much anymore as I’m all scratched up on my hands and wrists. A hazard of the job, I guess.

  I’m so glad you like the puzzles and treats. I haven’t gotten anything in the mail yet, but now that I have your email, I will let you know the moment I do. You didn’t have to send me something, but I will admit I’m thrilled to see what you sent. This is so much fun having someone to write to and exchange gifts with. I’m so very glad that you wrote back, Ben.

  You’ve made my day, week, and month.

  Marigold

  Hi Ben,

  I know it’s not been a week yet, but I wanted to say hello and tell you I was thinking about you. I planted a blackberry bush today on my land. It’s just a little thing, so it won’t produce much for a while, but hey! If I can get a few handfuls of berries here and there, it will be perfect. I hope that it doesn’t take over the yard. I heard the canes can be really invasive.

  Marigold

  Ben!

  Ohmyword! I just got your package and I’m so touched by your kindness and thoughtfulness. The pashmina scarf is stunning and huge. Is it wool? It’s almost big enough to be a sweater for me. The pattern is so beautiful and the pink roses amidst the swirling blues and greens are just breathtaking.

  This was an incredible gift and anything I sent you pales in comparison. Can I pay you for this? It must have cost a fortune.

  Forever grateful,

  Marigold

  Marigold,

  I’m so glad you got the scarf/shawl. I had no idea it was called a pashmina. I just saw the print with the roses and knew it was perfect for you, since you are a gardener. No, you can’t pay me for it! Then it’s not a gift from me to you. Would you have me pay you for all the treats you’ve sent me?

  Exactly.

  By the way, have I told how much I am enjoying your gifts and emails? I can’t believe you sent me a cake baked in a jar! How did you know my birthday was coming up? Did Lily tell you? I didn’t even think John knew when my birthday was! It was delicious, too!

  My mother is making a fresh batch of jam and I’ve asked her to set aside a few jars for you. I hope you don’t mind that I told my parents my friend wanted some. They live in Longview, which isn’t too far away. I’ll have mom mail it to you when its ready.

  I agree. Having someone to talk to and write is a joy. Your letters are really sweet and encouraging. I look forward to Wednesdays when I get my computer time now. I used to give it away to someone else, but I think I’ll be keeping it now.

  Your friend,

  Ben

  Ben opened another page on the computer and searched for different rose gifts since the scarf he’d found at the base exchange seemed to be utterly perfect for Marigold. He bought her some rose flavored Turkish Delights and a pair of filigree rose-shaped earrings. He found himself wishing he knew more about her and the things she liked, as it was fun to surprise Marigold.

  In the back of his mind, he kept wondering and thinking ‘what if this was a mistake’. That niggling voice of doubt kept creeping forward, making him wonder if this was all a sick joke, or if he was setting himself up for failure once again.

  He’d failed Erica – the thought of failing another person hurt more than he could ever explain. Seeing Luka collapse in the desert or Ethan being carried out of the desert with a tourniquet on his leg, had ripped more from his soul than anyone could imagine. He’d muffled tears of frustration and rage in his pillow both nights, afraid one of the other soldiers in berthing would hear him.

  There was so much darkness, a sense of staleness to his life, that even the brightest glimmer of happiness in his world felt like basking in the sun. Marigold’s enthusiasm and sweet emails made him feel alive.

  He wondered what his friend would say at the gifts and realized that he was making too much out of all of this. They were barely friends at all, and here he was with several different gifts in the online cart.

  ‘Slow your roll,’ Cooper would’ve said to him, in that arrogant, mocking tone that they all recognized.

  Ben had seen what blind faith had done to Jamie Post. His long-time fiancée had cleaned out his bank account; yet, now he was going blindly into a friendship that would probably go nowhere. Ben needed to figure out this puzzle and keep himself at a distance. Everything could be sorted out if he stepped back, disengaged, and looked at the facts.

  She was practically a stranger.

  They were thousands of miles apart.

  He had friends here and didn’t need her.

  What was wrong that she didn’t have friends there around her?

  Why was she so nice?

  What did she look like?

  Ben shook his head and rolled his eyes before logging out of the computer. It was utterly ridiculous that he was even allowing his mind to wander down that path. Just because it seemed like everyone around him was finding someone perfect for them, didn’t mean he would be that lucky. So far, luck had not been on his side and he’d had to work his tail off to get anywhere in life. This was bound to be the same thing and he really didn’t need another problem to figure out.

  Standing up, Ben quickly walked out of the building, feeling almost sick to his stomach that he had twenty minutes left of his hour online. He needed time to think and regroup, formulate a plan, and tackle the puzzle of who Marigold was, head on.

  Grabbing a bottle of water, he walked to the far side of the base where most of the smokers liked to loiter around. The benches seemed to be empty at this moment and he was glad of it. This was the most perfect spot to see the sunset unobstructed by buildings or tents, with the mountains off in the distance.

  Taking a deep breath, he watched the crimson streaks paint the sky brilliantly before settling into a warm reddish-orange hue that reminded him of a ruby grapefruit. There was no more beautiful a sunset th
an here in Afghanistan. He missed the bluebonnet fields back home and bright open skies, but this view always seemed to settle him unlike any other. His time here was definitely a love/hate relationship.

  “Marigold Riley?” The driver asked, holding out a clipboard.

  Marigold looked up from the flowerbed she was currently digging in and cursing the fire ants that kept finding her. That was one thing she could certainly do without and no matter what she used on the nests, they kept coming back.

  The irises in this flowerbed needed to be divided and were getting extremely overgrown. She’d decided just this morning to tackle the problem head on before the temperatures got too cool out, shocking the plants. This might be a mistake, but the irises seemed to be awfully hardy plants.

  “I’m Marigold Riley. Can I help you?” she asked, wiping her brow absently. She quickly scribbled on the paper as he handed her the package. Looking at it curiously, she swatted at another bite on her hand and got up quickly.

  “Darn things!”

  Yanking the perforated seal on the package, she glimpsed inside and hesitated. What on earth did I order, she mused, checking the address again. Yep, the parcel was addressed to her. Pulling out a small, flat, rectangular box, Marigold smiled.

  Ben had sent her another gift.

  A small container of rose-flavored jelly candies were in the package. Grinning now, she yanked off her gardening gloves and ran inside to wash her hands as she saw there was another box inside the padded envelope. There was no reason to get dirt all over the items and she wanted to taste the rose candy sans filth.

  Tossing her gloves onto the small table by her front door, she quickly scrubbed her hands and returned to where she’d laid the items on the entryway table. Pulling off the cellophane, the fragrance tickled her nose as she stared at the pink gelatinous candies dusted with sugar. Picking up one, she tentatively set it on her tongue.

  It wasn’t overly sweet, but the deep, heady flavor of rose perfume tickled her senses and she shut her eyes in bliss. This was an incredible treat. She picked up another and groaned in delight as another burst of perfume assailed her sinuses, making everything around her smell and taste like the beloved flowers she nursed.

  Dancing happily in a circle right there in the entryway of her house, she almost plopped another onto her tongue and then hesitated. No, she’d save some for later in the day so she could enjoy the small treat a little longer than five seconds.

  Picking up the other item, she peeled back the tape and unwound the bubble wrap that it was cocooned in. Stunned, she unfurled a pair of sterling silver rose earrings. The discs had vines twirled in them with a rose fashioned in the center in metal. They were simplistic and stylish in a classical sense… and completely unexpected.

  Marigold felt her heart swell in her chest as she put on the earrings, admiring the discs that dangled just below her earlobes. She loved simple patterns and this was exquisite. Ben was so sweet and kind! She knew these had to be from him! Pulling out the receipt, she saw his simple note.

  This made me think of you. Enjoy. ~ Ben

  Marigold clutched the paper to her chest and squealed with happiness. He was so, so… wonderful!

  This was unexpected and such a treat. She wished she could thank him in person or call him up like she would any other friend. Instead, she pulled out her cell phone and quickly sent him an email.

  Ben,

  You are so kind to me! I just got the candies and the earrings. I really don’t deserve you spoiling me like this, but I will admit you know how to make a girl feel special.

  I don’t believe I’ve ever tried a treat like those little gummy candies before and wish I could share the moment with you. They are divine and like a little piece of heaven in my mouth.

  I was reading online last night about the Persian gardens and Afghanistan roses, how the arid climate there and the sandy soil helps them. Have you seen any of them? Do they smell as fragrant as what the websites and television shows describe?

  I’ve never travelled before and a little envious of you, that you get a chance to see different parts of the world. I’d love to see it through your eyes. Can you describe the sights and smells, the noises and sounds of your home? I bet it’s so intriguing.

  You are blessed, my friend. You are living a life that some people dream of and protecting us all in the meantime. Savor every moment and commit every second to memory.

  Your friend,

  Marigold

  P.S. You’re the best!

  Marigold,

  I am far from that – and I’m so glad you liked the candies. I saw the earrings online and remembered what you said about your work with flowers. It seemed like a perfect fit.

  It just dawned on me that I know so little about you, yet I’m sure John has told you about me. I went into town with another soldier today, Tobin, and thought about your last email. I tried something different and thought I would share it with you.

  We had Masala coffee and it was incredible.

  The coffee was dark and strong, reminding me of coffee I once had in the French Quarter. Here they mix it with a lot of milk, sugar, cinnamon, and another spice called cardamom. It’s warm, heady, rich, and definitely something I will be having again soon.

  I tend to only order what I easily know (I’m bland like that) but after reading your last email, I realized you are right. I need to try to find things to enjoy and take a chance. I didn’t regret trying the new coffee and it’s inspired me to sample something else on my next trip into town.

  I also mailed you another little something.

  I know it seems like this is so neat, so cool, to be here, but I can’t help but wish I was back home sometimes. My parents are getting ready to have some work done on their house and I really regret not being able to help them. It’s times like that, that its tough. I feel so alone and I would never tell them that because I want them to communicate with me normally, not with pity or regret.

  I got another box from you today in the mail. I can honestly say that I’ve never had smiley face socks with rainbows ever sent to me before. They are really soft and I’m wearing them right now, hidden in my boots, so I don’t get in trouble for being out of uniform. Thank you for your kindness. Every time I get an email or package, you seem to find a way to make me smile.

  I need that.

  I treasure our emails and cannot thank you enough for sending them and reaching out. It means a lot.

  Ben

  Marigold – you are the best!

  I got the boxes of Girl Scout Cookies in the mail today and while the Thin Mints melted a little, they were divine! The shortbreads are my favorite and you are so sweet to have sent them.

  Yours,

  Ben

  Ben,

  You are so thoughtful for thinking of me when you went into town with Tobin. The clay coffee mug is so neat! Is that what you drank your masala coffee out of? The packet of cardamom smells heavenly.

  Tomorrow is Saturday.

  I plan on trying to recreate the coffee you had early tomorrow morning, savoring a cup or two, and sitting outside to smell the crisp fresh air. Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving or Christmas?

  Your friend,

  Marigold

  Ben stared at the email she’d sent and felt a pang of guilt. He was actually flying home to Longview for a short vacation to help his parents. His dad had thrown out his back trying to move boxes of tile and that spurred him into movement.

  His parents were getting older and he wanted to help out how he could. He bought a calling card and spoke with his mother to let her know he was coming home for three days over the Thanksgiving weekend. Flying standby was rough sometimes and he hoped everything went smooth so he would have enough time to lay the flooring for his dad.

  This was his last flight landing into the small Longview airport and he would be home in a few hours. Then it would be working like a dog, stuffing his gut full of homecooked foods, and then back on the plane to Afghanistan.
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  Ben didn’t even bother to pack a lot of things in his duffle bag, knowing he would be racing back to work before he knew it. Grabbing his bag from the overhead compartment, he exited the plane.

  “Bennie!”

  “Hey, Mom. Where’s dad?”

  “Oh, you know him,” his mother shrugged, hugging Ben again. “He’s sitting in the car, listening to the radio. His knees and back are bothering him and I told him to wait there and we’d be right out. I’m so glad to see you, baby! You look great! So big, strong, and handsome!” his mother beamed, her eyes bright with unshed tears.

  “Love you, mama,” Ben said softly, hugging her again and picking her up. She laughed and threw her arms around his neck. Gosh it was good to see them! They walked out and he saw his father get out of the car, catching the wince that he’d tried to hide. Yep, he was so glad he’d flown in.

  “Dad, you look great!”

  “You are a sight for sore eyes, boy.”

  “I’m glad to spend Thanksgiving with you and get a little work done around the house.”

  “You don’t have to use our old age as an excuse to visit, son.”

  “I know I don’t,” Ben said sheepishly, as his mother winked at him over her shoulder. “I’ve just been busy and time seemed to get away from me.”

  “Well, we are glad you are here now. Are you hungry, baby?”

  “I’d kill for a Whataburger,” he answered truthfully, grinning.

  “Sounds like the man wants a burger, Abigail.”

  “Well I don’t know what you are waiting for, old man. Get your son a burger and fries before he wastes away,” she snapped, teasing them both with a knowing smile. “I made cobbler for you, sweetie.”