It was a new day, not just any day but the last day in camp as trainees, we were done with our 6 months training and we're given a week off for our families. Ike an I left while Bush went home to his family.
* * *
We arrived home, Ike carrying his bag while I carried mine. On getting to the door, I heard Catherine's voice.
"Seems like those conspirators are done with tier 6 months training, soon they'll be shipped off to the war front", Impi's voice was low, so I didn't quite grab what she said.
"Don't worry Impi, Ike will return back to you...trust me on that, he might even be at the door right now waiting for you to...", Catherine's voice was cut short by a sharp scream from Impi on sighting Ike standing at the door way.
"My baby is back...!!!", Impi jumped on Ike who almost lost his balance but stood firm to prevent both of them from falling down.
"My hero!!!", Catherine cried as she rushed and embraced me.
"My Queen, seems you are flowing more", i complimented Catherine who hug me tight and kissed me terribly.
"You'll never outgrow this kissing attitude if yours", I teased her.
"Leave it for me", she teased back.
"Where's my boy?", Ike asked Impi as he set her down on her feet.
"He is asleep", Catherine answered him before Impi could say a word.
"Welcome back...come in, freshen up and have some rest. Impi and I would prepare something for you boys", Catherine instructed us as we dropped our bags in our individual rooms and went to freshen up and change. After which we had our meal, followed by a long deep sleep.
* * *
The week was slowly but gradually coming to an end, Ike and I began preparation, but this time...to the war front. A letter was delivered to us a day before and we were expected to report to New York where we were expected to join our unit and board as ship across to the war zone. The all blacks battalion was where we were segerated to and was commanded by a white man. I was kind od worried though, but Ike on his part showed no concern which bothered me the more more. Why was he so nonchalant toward everything? That I couldn't fathom. He was such an unpredictable and strong willed young man, he was a hard shell to crack and to make matter more complicated, he hardly show or share his fears with anyone ever since he returned back from camp. You can only find him reading pamphlets or listening to broadcast or having some personal drills. At first, I used to go paranoid over his new attitude but with time, I began to understand his motive and delima. We all did, most evenings, he will sit outside with his son lying on his chest... calmly staring at the sky without saying a word. Catherine on her part was worried about him, but I assured her that Ike was very fine. The only person who seem to understand and know what Ike was going through was Impi. I guess, it's because they share a bound. They were more than lovers, more than two husband and wife. These two share something I couldn't place my hand around, they share some kind of energy and we're deeply connected. A connection that always make me a bit jealous.
"Seems like you are having a good show", Catherine interrupted my thoughts.
"Will you just go away this woman", I teased Catherine as I drew her closer.
"You are telling me to go away and you're still dragging me closer, isn't that funny"?, Catherine teased back.
"You are beautiful tonight", i complimented Catherine who blushed shyly.
"It's when you are leaving that you noticed...how incredible, I thought you have gone blind", Catherine teased me.
"Stop being silly, I've not gone blind", I defended while Catherine's face changes.
"So tomorrow you'll be going away from me?", Catherine asked as though still in doubt.
"Yes Katty, we depart for the Frontline tomorrow morning", i answered while narrowing my eyes to Ike who was sited outside with his wife and son leaning on him. All in silent staring at the night sky, and letting their connection do the rest of the work.
"They are cute that way, aren't they?", Catherine asked me referring to Ike and his family.
"Yes they are, very cute and lovely", I answered Catherine who smiled.
"And also adorable" Catherine added.
"Truly, they remind me of us when we came here newly. Remember when Agufia was born?", I asked Catherine who smiled with delight.
"How can I forget such a lovely moment?", Catherine punched me playfully.
"You are the greatest blessing to me Katty", I held her closer.
"I know you are a strong man, and i believe in my heart you will come back to me safe. The only person I'm afraid for is my grandson" Catherine began slowly.
"More reasons I volunteered, so as to look after him", I cut in.
"He need to return back home to his family at all cost", Catherine continued.
"Impi is still very young to be a widow at such tender age", I emphasized.
"I am old on my part, I've spent almost 49years with you and I cherish every moment we have shared together. I want them to grow together as we did, grow old together and see their grand children", Catherine muttered slowly while still looking at Ike and his family.
"Let's have our own quite time", i told Catherine as I led her to the balcony.
"For tomorrow, you will be gone from me", Catherine replied sadly.
* * *
"Where are we going"?, Ike called my attention from the dinning table.
"New York straight, that's where we are all gathering for departure", I called back to him.
"Yeah...that's right", Ike affirmed.
We were soon done with our preparation and set out after bidding our family goodbye.
"Remember me and Ima, please come back to us... remember I love you so much, please don't die out there", Impi called after Ike who only nodded without saying a word, that was Impi's last words to Ike before we set sail.
* * *
"Seems you guys are just arriving", we turn to see Bush standing behind us.
"Yes, we just landed and ready for the task ahead", Ike smiled at Bush before they shook hands.
"Good to see you back son, how's the family?", I asked Bush who took a slight bow to show respect to an elderly man.
"They are all well, let's get ready for we sail anytime soon", Bush informed us as we all walked towards the departure lounge. We were filed into the ship, not after receiving our fire arms and ammunition. We moved slowly but steadily, each man in his thought. We all know where we were going, knew we only had a choice to pick one out of the only two available options once we set feet there. One, die out there or two, return back home. But the big question here was; who will return back home and who will never return back home after the war?
The horizon spelt gloom and doom for everyone aboard the ship.
Gradually, we settled down. The ship after few hours of waiting coughed out the smoke of coal through its funnels and set sail toward what will determine the gate of the world and democracy at large- Europe and the war.