Without You

Part 39 "Something bad happened"

*AUBREY'S POV*

The rest of the weekend is spent almost entirely with granddaddy. Just us catching up and even talking about our greatest memories with dad.

I even told him about Owen and he wanted to meet him. I texted Owen and he said he could make it before he has to go back in two days time.

Once Owen arrived midday Sunday, Granddaddy took a special liking to him. Especially after Owen told him tons about dad.

Owen even brought a few pictures of all the guys at their base near Kandahar, Afganistan. A few tears were shed when he showed me pictures of dad.

I had never really seen him in his combat utility uniform.

The picture shows five men. Three of which I don't know and the other two are dad and Owen. They're all standing in front of a large, sand-colored Humvee, with serious looks on their faces, which I find amusing.

I'm sure it took dad a while to get the smile off of his face. He always had a smile on his face.

"This one," Owen puts a picture down on the table, "this picture was taken about three hours before he passed."

The picture shows dad, Owen, and the other guy that Owen introduced as Evan Smart, all looking at the camera, smiling, and giving a thumbs up with their guns laid down beside them, propped up on some big rocks.

"I'll be back in a minute," Granddaddy says as he gets up from the table and walks towards the bathroom.

I look back towards the pictures laid out on the table, then towards Owen. Owen is looking at the pictures sadly.

"Are you okay, Owen?" I question and he stays silent for a few seconds.

"I just...I feel like it should've been me and not him."

"Don't say that, Owen," I feel tears forming in my eyes.

"I feel it though. I don't have a family," he looks at me with tears of his own in his eyes, "he had a family. He had people that needed him, he still does. I don't have that."

"Owen. God chose you to live because he saw something in you. He saw a reason and just because you don't know that reason, doesn't mean there isn't one. He has a plan for you, and you're worth something amazing. You're helping me keep the memory of Nicholas Wilson alive and whether you realize it or not, but by doing that, you are also helping me be able to cope. If you wouldn't have visited me that last time, I don't know what I would have done. I definitely wouldn't be able to talk about dad without crying," I explain.

"You're way too wise for your age," he smiles sadly.

_______________________

Both Owen and Granddaddy walk outside, with me trailing behind them.

"You'll be hearing from me from over there," Owen promises and I smile.

"Please do. I would love to hear from you," I nod and Owen smiles as he opens the door to his truck.

"Oh, and one more thing Aubrey," he runs back over to me and he hands me the bundle of pictures he brought, "I think these should go to you. You need them more than I do."

"Thank you," I whisper, holding the pictures to my chest.

"And when that day comes when you become famous, don't forget about me. Also, don't hesitate to send me like a million dollars. Sound good? Great!" He gives me a hug as I laugh before he turns serious, "I'll see you later," he says sincerely like he's promising me he'll come back.