"Don't look so forlorn, Ronnie," my sister said, wrapping her arms around me from behind as I stared out her living room window. "We both knew this day was coming."
"I know," I answered quietly, placing my hands over hers. "I just didn't think it would come so soon."
"None of us did." Maryanne rested her chin on my shoulder and I could feel her breath on my neck. "Mark was as surprised as anyone when he became part of the troop withdrawal."
"Don't get me wrong, Sis," I said, turning to face her. "I'm very happy for you that Mark is coming home," I said, looking her in the eye. "Just don't expect me to be glad our time together is ending. This has been the best summer of my life," I told her while brushing a stray hair off her forehead. "I just thought we'd have a little longer."
Withou
