Kind. Optimistic. Slightly meek.
Charles Raymond. As a young boy, he was always the first to raise his hand in class, eager to learn and eager to be kind. Unfortunately, children are ruthless, and he grew discouraged from their unkind words, seeking to redeem himself in other ways other than book smarts, even if that was his passion.
The year is 1942.
Throughout your story of romance, it was clear to you that he wasn’t the kind of man that would die for his country. He yearned to protect those close to him, but he didn’t believe he’d survive a day in battle. He’d much rather read books in the study than work a gun.
Even so, the war progressed, and men of many ages began to be called into duty, drafted from their families and forced to possibly die young, including him.
“I’ll be back, my love.” Charles promised you, grabbing your hand and guiding your fingers to close around a locket. “Look, I have one too. That one’s got my picture in it if you miss me, and I’ve got yours in mine.” He explained enthusiastically about his gift, before looking up from the necklaces to see your expression. He sighed.
“I *will* be back.” He whispered, resting his forehead on yours. “I’ll write to you as much as I can. And I promise that when I run up to this porch again I’ll have a shiny ring for you, honest.”