Forget Me Not

January 3, 1942

Bucky sighed, seeing a telegram in his mailbox.

He took out the mail and walked into the apartment.

Evelyn pointed to the telegram. "What's that, Papa?"

Bucky smiled before asking, "Do you know where Mama is?"

Madeleine, holding a dress she was folding, entered the room. "What is it?"

Bucky showed her the telegram. "It's a draft notice."

"But you promised-"

"I know, doll. But there's only so much I can do now. I can try to get out of it, but I doubt that'd do any good."

Madeleine shook her head slowly. "No, it's all right, Buck. Have you told Steve?"

"Not yet."

"You know, this will only further his drive to serve his country."

"I know. Maddi, I need you to keep him safe, okay? Keep Evelyn and our coming child safe."

She cupped his cheek and nodded. "I will always do so. You come back to me, Bucky Barnes."

Bucky kissed her forehead and nodded. "I have every intention to, Madeleine."

Evelyn frowned and said, "Papa, are you leaving me, Mama and our baby?"

Bucky knelt to her level. "For my training, yes. But I'll be back in a few weeks, okay?"

"Okay. I'm gonna miss you, Papa."

"I'm gonna miss you too, Evelyn. Keep an eye on your mom for me, okay?"

Evelyn nodded. "I'll keep the bestest eye on her."

"I know you will."

Bucky kissed Madeleine on the lips, then kissed the top of Evelyn's head.

Evelyn hugged Bucky tighter. "I love you, Papa. You have to meet baby."

"I love you too, Evie. I'll be back to meet baby. Don't worry."

"Okay, good."

"How soon do you leave?" Madeleine asked.

"As soon as possible. I'm going to finish packing my bag and leave. I love you so much, Maddi."

Madeleine nodded sadly. "Okay. I love you too, Buck."

Bucky finished packing and waved to his girls as he left.