By Lainey

Ethan
through the field
the day feel
yet that not only
flowing, wavy

A
Soldie
rs
Promi
se

E.
saw his girl laughing. He was running
holding her hand. The summer breeze made
perfect. It was warm, sunny, and beautiful
described the day, but her as well. She had
blonde hair and a winning smile; just the

sight of her could take his breath away. She pushed him playfully, and he fell to the ground. They
both laughed, and he got up again and started chasing her. He eventually caught up to her and
pulled her down to the ground with him. Her eyes were sparkling as she leaned against him and
said, Ethan, please dont ever leave me. I love you,
I love you too, but no matter what happens I know someone who wont leave you.
God? she smiled.
Yes. He looked up at the sky, then back at her. We should probably go back now. Its
getting late. He helped her to her feet. They clasped their hands together and walked home.
Ethan Davis woke up sweating. The dream had seemed so reallike he could just reach
out and touch his girlfriend, Kara. So many memories of her crept into his dreams at night. Why
couldnt he just forget about her? He was nineteen the last time he had seen her. Ever since he
was young, hed dreamed about joining the military. The following year, he had enlisted in the
army, and then attended college, paid for by the army. Now, five years later, he was just about to
finish training.
Rubbing his eyes of the sleepy haze that covered them, he groaned and leaned over the
side of his bed, groggily clicking the lamp on. With a yawn, he sat upright and reached across his

nightstand to his Bible, which he had been opening so many times latelyeach time he had
another heartbreaking dream.
He turned the pages in his Bible to Jeremiah 29:11 and read For I know the thoughts that
I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected
end. He sighed. If only he knew what his expected end was. He missed Kara so much especially
since they hadnt been together in years, ever since she had gone to college in Michigan. He had
tried emailing her several times, but after just a few, she stopped replying. Cupping his face in
his hands, he fell back into bed, his head sinking back into his pillow.
He would just have to wait and hope that God might allow him to see her again.
~
Kara Evans packed up her suitcase, bound for her hometown, Springfield, Pennsylvania.
As she hefted the heavy bag throughout the room, so many memories began to flood her mind.
Many happy memories were left in Springfield, including her first love, Ethan Davis. She was
going there because she wanted to start her own restaurant. She thought what better place than
Springfield. Besides, she needed a break from Michigan. She went full of dreams and energy,
and now it took her five years to figure out Springfield is where she belongs. She was just
visiting for now. She wanted to check out a few places for her restaurant, but one of the key
places she really wanted to look at was a beautiful large building in Philadelphia. It was much
larger than all the other ones she had looked at online that were in or around Springfield,
therefore creating a larger attraction and an ideal place to begin her restaurant. She took her
suitcase and drove to the airport. An hour and a half later, she was on her way to the place where
she had left her heart.
~

Ethan was glad that basic training was over and that he had about a month of break until
his advanced training began. After that training, he would officially be a soldier. To celebrate, he
thought that he would take a nice walk around town, maybe visit a few places he hadnt been to
in a while.
He had only been walking around town for a mere ten minutes when his eyes caught sight
of a familiar person. And then he realized that it was herthe girl from his dreams: Kara. But it
cant be, he thought. Surely I must just be imagining things. But when he looked back in the store
window, she was still there. With a rapidly beating heart, he waited until she came outside, and
then spoke up when she walked around the corner of the doorway. Kara?
As she turned around, her eyes widened upon recognition, and he lowered his gaze.
~
Kara couldnt believe it, and she gasped. Ethan? Before she knew it, he had crossed the
barrier that separated them and hugged her.
How have you been? he asked when she drew away.
She shrugged. All right. How bout you? Kara tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, at
a loss for words to say. I didnt think youd still be here in Springfield.
Ethan laughed, and the old, familiar sound warmed her heart. Well, where else would I
be? This is home.
Oh I dont know.
He looked into her eyes trying to see what her trouble was. She spoke up again. Maybe
out there somewherewasting your life like I did.
His face immediately fell, and his brow creased sympathetically, and she grimaced. She
hated sympathy. You want to go grab some coffee and talk about it?

Im busy, she replied curtly, shaking her head, wishing her rude tone would make him
leave her. It worked, but she regretted the hurt look she saw in his eyes.
All rightwell, maybe some other time, then. Do you have paper? Ethan asked,
looking her directly in the eyes.
Right then Kara felt like he was looking into her soul, trying to discover all of her secrets,
and she felt herself inadvertently drawing away from him. Still, she fumbled around in her purse
and pulled out a sticky note, and he wrote something down.
Heres my number if you ever want to talk. He handed it back to her, and then
continued. What are you doing in Springfield anyway?
Im just visiting for a little bit. Im thinking about starting a business in Philadelphia,
she answered him, wishing that their abrupt conversation would end.
Oh? That sounds cool. There was an awkward silence, then Ethan spoke up again.
Well, Id best be leaving you then. Goodbye!
Goodbye. He walked a little bit, then turned around and mouthed call me, grinning
widely as he made the phone sign with his hands. Kara smiled. Same old Ethan she thought. Her
smile suddenly fell. What he doesnt know is that I am different.
That night, Kara crawled into her bed and thought about her life. I am not ready to share
my heart with another man after what I went through with David. She thought. But God knew
her heart. After she went to Michigan, shed let go of her faith, convincing herself she didnt
need God, but when the hard times had come, she knew in her heart what the truth was. She
needed God, and He would be the only one to get her through it all. And He had. Now she just
had to keep looking forward.
~

At seven a.m. the next morning, Ethan heard his cell phone ring. He didnt recognize the
number, but picked it up anyway. Hello?
Ethan?
Yes? Is this Kara?
Hey, Kara sighed over the phone. Yes, its Kara. Im sorry its early, but I had to call
you.
Im glad you called. Hey, you sound like youve been crying. Whats up? Concern
filled his voice.
Oh, I guess I was just wondering if you were still up for that coffee date.
Of course. How about Seans coffee shop in town? The one we used to always pass on
the way to and from school?
Yeah, I remember. Ill meet you there in, say, forty-five
minutes?
Sounds good to me.
Thanks Ethan. Youre a true friend.
Dont mention it. See you there. He hung up, and he was filled with so much joy that
he could hardly contain it. He was finally going to see Kara!
~
Kara had been waiting in the coffee shop for Ethan for only five minutes before he
walked in with his jeans and an unbuttoned blue plaid shirt over his white t-shirt. She was taken
aback by how handsome he looked as he sat down across from her.
Hey, Kara began quietly.
Hey, Kara. Whats going on? he asked with concern in his eyes.

I guess I just need someone to talk to. She bit her lip and looked down at the table, her
cheeks coloring bashfully.
Well, Im here for you. Talk about whatever you want to. He smiled at her, and she
blushed. Then her face went sullen again. I dont know where to start. She sighed.
Then start from the beginning.
You mean Michigan? He nodded. She wasnt up for reliving her story, but she knew
that she had to tell him. It was only fair for him to know what had happened to her.
Kara went on to explain that she had gotten a two year college degree in business.
Then, she explained, a friend of mine offered me a job teaching at his elementary school. He
knew I didnt have a teaching degree, but he was desperate for someone willing to teach, and for
someone to agree on the salary. So I took the job and started teaching the first and second
graders. She took a break to take a sip of her coffee. I met one of the other teachers. His name
was David. We connected really fast, and it wasnt too long before we started dating. She saw
disappointment flash in Ethans eyes. We were actually engaged a year after we met. Then I
started hearing rumors that he was seeing other women, but I disregarded all the comments as
gossip. She sighed and gripped her coffee mug all the more tightly. However, a month after we
were engaged, I saw him kiss another woman. I knew then that I had to break off the engagement
but what I didnt expect was his breaking up with me. He came to me before I got the chance
to confront him. He said we were just too different, and that marriage just wouldnt work out for
us. That was when I knew I had to come back home and start over.
Im so sorry, Ethan responded as he watched tears fill Karas eyes. She then smiled,
trying to wipe away her tears.

Its all right, Kara told him. Enough about me. I havent heard anything from you.
What have you been doing all these years? Im sure youve had a girl or two who were interested
in you, she said, teasing him.
He tried to laugh. Actually, no, I havent. At least, none that were good for me. I guess I
just couldnt bring myself to date anyone. I always kind of hoped you would come back.
But Im back now, Kara whispered, and her face turned serious. She looked as if she
might cry again.
Ethan continued telling Kara about what he had been doing the past couple of years. He
explained I decided to become a soldier, and I actually just finished basic training. That
seemed to cheer Kara up. She then said, I knew you would become a soldier. That is what you
and your father always wanted for you.
Yeah. I guess it was. Ethan smiled, and Kara could tell he was thinking of some good
memories.
After two and a half hours of talking and catching up they decided to go home. Kara was
very happy with how the morning had gone. She felt herself falling in love with him again, and
that was okay with her. Before they left, Ethan had asked her out on a date for this coming Friday
night. She felt her cheeks glowing with heat as she said goodbye to him. She felt like a giddy
teenager again. This could be the beginning of a beautiful relationship God was rekindling.
*

Four months had flown by. Ethan had been busy with advanced training for the army, but
he always made a point to visit Kara in Springfield on the weekends. Kara had been busy trying
to find a place for her restaurant. She finally settled for a smaller but nicer-looking building for
her restaurant, and it was in Springfield so she wouldnt have to travel forty minutes into

Philadelphia every day. It was Saturday evening, and Karas restaurants grand opening started at
5:30 p.m. A big turnout was expected, for all the people had been anticipating Karas grand
opening of her restaurant called The Evans Family Diner, which she had named for her family.
Ethan was smiling as he was thinking of the plans he had for that night at the restaurant.
By 6:00 p.m., Kara could not contain her excitement as one by one, people flowed into
her restaurant. Her parents and older sister had come to help her start the opening. They had
moved to North Carolina for a job after Kara had left for Michigan. Having her family there with
her made her feel wonderful. About a half hour later, Kara saw Ethan walk in with a big grin
spread across his face. She ran over and embraced him. Ive missed you! I havent seen you in
two weeks! Kara said, so excited to see him.
Ethan looked almost as surprised as she looked at how many people had shown up. After
Kara finished going around to the tables and greeting customers, she returned to the back of the
room where Ethan stood. The next thing that happened took her off guard.
Ethan stood on a chair and yelled out to the crowd, May I have your attention, please?
Everything went quiet and all eyes were on him. He then said, If you are enjoying Karas
restaurant, please give her a round of applause. Everyone started clapping and cheering after he
said that. He looked over at her, and Kara blushed. She could see his body shaking as if he was
nervous for some reason. After the crowd hushed, Ethan said I also have something I would like
to say. His body started shaking as he knelt onto the ground on one knee.
Ethan pulled out a box from his suit coat pocket, then opened it, and Kara almost fainted.
I love you Kara. Will you marry me?
Kara gasped, and without another thought nodded her head yes as tears streamed down
her face. She couldnt speak. Every time she tried to say something, no words would come out of

her mouth. Then the whole room filled with screaming and cheering as the crowd became
excited about what had just happened. Ethan and Kara hugged, and they both knew they would
remember that moment until the day they died.
*

April twenty-eighth was the wedding date, and it finally arrived. The wedding had just
begun, and Springfield Christian Church was filled with people. Kara and Ethan had grown up in
this church, and so many memories were associated with it. Elegant decorations were hung up all
over the auditorium. Here Comes the Bride started playing, and Kara came down the aisle in a
beautiful white wedding dress. It had cropped sleeves with a small amount of lace at the top. The
bottom of her dress was long and flared out. Her long blonde hair was curled and flowing down
around her shoulders. Ethan held his breath as he gazed at his beautiful bride.
At the altar, Ethan and Kara looked beautiful together. Ethan looked dapper in his army
uniform. As the two said their vows, they looked each other in the eyes, meaning every word.
The ceremony ended, and the preacher said, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss
the bride. Then Ethan and Kara passionately kissed each other in a beautiful kiss that seemed to
last forever. The music started playing, and Ethan and Kara walked out the door arm in arm.
They knew they had a long road ahead of them, but they knew with Gods help they would get
through their marriage.
~
Throughout the next year, Kara and Ethan cherished every moment spent together
because they knew it wouldnt be long before Ethan had to leave for the army. Finally the day
came when Ethan was being deployed. Kara tried to be as strong as she could for him, but she
couldnt keep the sorrow from welling up inside of her. She drove him to the airport, and now it

was time to say goodbye. Ethan turned to her and lifted her chin, looking her in the eyes as she
tried to hold back her tears.
Baby, Ill be back, he said, trying to encourage her.
You dont know that, Kara responded, letting her gaze fall to the ground so she
wouldnt have to look at him.
Kara, dont do this. You know I was born to serve my country, and Im going to do the
best I can. Yes, there are some risks involved, but they are chances worth taking.
She looked him in the eye right then. I know. Im sorry.
Everything went silent for a minute. Ethan? Kara then asked.
Yes?
Will you promise me something?
Anything, Ethan answered, putting Karas hands in his and kissing them.
Promise me that you wont leave me. I need you.
Ethan replied, I promise. I will come home to you.
Good, Kara said, nodding, trying to stifle tears, because your baby and I are going to
miss you desperately.
Ethans somber face turned to one of shock, and he squeezed his wifes hand. My baby?
Kara, are you pregnant?
Yes! Kara started laughing through her tears and then she saw something she had
never seen before. A tear slipped down Ethans face too before he finally spoke up. Oh, Kara,
Im so happy!
Then what is the matter? Kara asked, confused.
This makes it harder to leave you now, knowing that my son is on his way.

Who said its a boy? Kara teased. I think it would be nice to have a girl.
Ethan smiled, then kissed her with a kiss that took Karas breath away. She knew this
would be the last kiss she would receive from him in a long time.
*

Kara, now nine months along in her pregnancy, had been feeling labor pains since early
that morning. Now she was starting to wonder if they were contractions. The pain kept getting
worse, and she finally called her parents. Mom, she said, Can you and dad pick me up at my
house? I think my baby is ready to come. Her parents arrived 10 minutes later and drove her to
the hospital while worrying if they would get there on time. Later while she was on medication at
the hospital, just minutes away from having her son or daughter, all she could think about was
Ethan. I wish he could be here right now. She thought. They had been writing and emailing each
other for the past nine months as often as possible. Ethans first question every time was How
are you and the baby doing this week?
The doctor interrupted her thoughts when he came in, and the nurse began prepping her
for delivery. She knew the baby was finally coming. Twenty minutes later, Kara was handed her
beautiful baby boy. She was overjoyed that Ethan had gotten his boy he wanted. As the baby
cried, Kara held him so close. She was amazed at how much he looked just like his father.
Her mother walked over to her and asked, What are you going to name him?
Kara looked up and handed her mother the baby. I was thinking Ethan Ryan. Just like
his daddy. Suddenly a wave of exhaustion came over her and she was left alone to rest. She
knew her baby was in good hands and she could rest easy.
Two hours later, Kara woke up sweating and screaming. The nurse and doctor came into
her room immediately, trying to calm her.

Whats wrong? the nurse asked her.

Once settled down, she finally spoke up. It seemed so real.
What did?
My dream. My husband was fighting, and out of nowhere, a bullet came and killed him.
He was in so much pain.
Its not real. The nurse responded softly wiping her face with a cool rag. A few minutes
later her parents came in the door holding Ethan. Evidently the doctor had gone to get them. She
was so happy to see the three of them that she almost forgot about her nightmare. But a vision
like that could never completely go away.
~
It was Christmas Eve, three months later, and Kara heard a knock on the door. She put
Ethan Jr. in his crib and rushed to the door. She assumed it was her parents coming to see how
the baby was, but when she opened the door, her mouth dropped open as she was staring into the
face of Ethan. Ethan! She screamed and hugged him.
Ethan kissed her then asked How did you manage to become even more beautiful while
I was away? Kara couldnt speak a word. She just stood there holding on to her Ethan and
taking in every word he said.
Ethan was very excited as he came into his house. It had been a year since he had been
home, and so much had happened. He was glad he had chosen to surprise Kara. He was even
happier as Kara picked up his beautiful baby boy he had been hearing about for the past three
months, and put him in his arms. Ethan was so proud. Now he had a wife and son here with him
for Christmas, and he knew even though he couldnt stay long, he would treasure this week with
his family.

Christmas had gone by way too fast, but both Kara and Ethan knew this was the best
Christmas either of them ever had. It had been a week already and Ethan had to go back to the
army. It was tough leaving his son and wife, but he knew his duty was to his country first. He
waved goodbye as he saw Kara and Ethan Jr. for what he didnt know would be his last time.
~
February had come and Kara was figuring out bills for her restaurant. It seemed that the
Evans Family Diner was going out of business. Springfield was a small town and not too many
people were coming anymore. Kara was frustrated, but she determined to do whatever it took to
keep it running. Her parents were at her house, watching Ethan and making her dinner. She
would forever be grateful for them.
Five minutes later, the doorbell rang. Ill get it! Her mom yelled across the house. After
Kara heard the door open, her mom said, Kara, there is someone here for you.
Coming! Kara yelled down the hall. When she reached the door, Karas expression was
filled with panic. Standing at the door were two tall serious looking officers in Military uniforms.
I have a letter for you, maam. The one man said in a deep tone of voice. She took the
letter from his hand, ripped the envelope open, and read these words. We regret to inform you
that your husband, Ethan Ryan Davis, was killed in action on the thirty first day of January Two
Thousand and Ten. The room started spinning, and Karas vision began to blur. She then fell to
the floor and everything went black.
Kara woke up fifteen minutes later, after the men had left. Her entire inside felt like it had
been ripped to shreds. She saw her mom and dad with worried expressions sitting next to her on
her bed. She sat up then walked over to the crib where her baby was lying. She picked him up
and sat back on her bed. She held him close to her rocking him back and forth. She then burst

into tears. Her dad put a hand on her shoulder. Leave me alone! Kara yelled. In her grief, she
didnt care if she was being rude.
Honey, Her mom uttered.
I said leave me alone! Kara barely choked out with what felt like a flood rushing down
her face. Her parents left.
An hour later, her mom came into her bedroom. Are you going to be all right? Her
caring mother asked.
No. Kara sobbed out. He promised me he wouldnt leave. He promised me he would
come home. He promised! Ethan Jr. started crying because of her yelling. Her mom took care of
the baby while Kara sat with a far off look in her face as the tears slowly started to come to a
stop.
Ethans remains are being brought to the states tomorrow. Her mother started
explaining, You choose whether he is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, or if you would
rather have a private funeral and burial in Springfield. Her mom put her arm around her and
gave her a hug. You have a day to think about it. You must make your decision by the end of
tomorrow.
Two days later Kara was at the funeral for her husband. She decided to have the funeral
in Springfield, but to have Ethan buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C. At
the funeral, many soldier friends of Ethan had come to pay their respects. She hadnt known how
many people his life had influenced until his funeral. The funeral was held in the same church
that they had been married. She had estimated about 500 people had shown up for this funeral.
She didnt even know half of them. Amazing grace started playing as Ethans casket with an
American flag draped over it was brought down the aisle to the front of the church.

Karas eyes had remained mostly dry for the entire ceremony. She felt as though she
already had cried all the tears she had. Now, a couple hours later, Kara, her family members, the
soldiers, and a few friends had arrived in Washington D.C. for Ethans burial. A hole was in the
ground and the casket lay next to it ready to be put in the ground. One of the soldiers played Taps
on the bugle. Kara had Ethan Jr. in a stroller while they watched Ethan being buried. Kara said
her last goodbye to Ethan then walked away. Good thing it was warm out because she needed a
place to be alone and think. She decided to go to the nearest park.
Kara sat thinking on the park bench. She had been thinking of the idea for a while, but
now she made her decision. She would restart her restaurant here in Washington D.C. She would
start a new life for her and her son. She thought about what she had said the other day. The words
replayed in her mind. He promised. Suddenly, God brought a sense of peace over her. She was no
longer afraid of tomorrow because now she realized Ethan had kept his promise. He hadnt left
her. She could see him in every American Flag that flew, she could see him in every smile of
Ethan Jr., and she could see him in every soldiers salute. But most importantly, she could feel
him in her heart. He truly had kept A SOLDIERS PROMISE.