Arthur became close with Georgia. He had high hopes for his future. He aimed to be a journalist.

Georgia was curios and asked questions, much as he did. They talked about literature and constellations.

Arthur knew that she was the one. Before he could propose, he received his draft notice.

Georgia held back tears as Arthur took her hands in his.

“I would be honored if you would wait for me, but I understand if that is asking too much,” Arthur said.

“Of course, I will wait for you,” Georgia told him.

Lucille’s hair began graying almost overnight after Francis left to fight in the war. She could barely sleep or eat, she was so consumed with worry. Now, Arthur was leaving too.

There was one bright spot. She had her granddaughter June to care for. She kept a brave face for the little girl, who asked for her father daily. They were nearly inseparable.

Charlotte, however, had little interest in the child. How much could you do with a toddler, she thought. She still didn’t understand why Francis wouldn’t let her hire a nanny, but at least she had Lucille to take care of the child.

Charlotte was bored. Francis was gone and she and Lucille did not see eye to eye about much of anything. There was nothing exciting to do, not gifts from Francis, and most of the men were gone.

They had had to cut the maid down to once a week. Whenever Charlotte complained about having little to do, Lucille would mention some household chore that needed doing or something June needed. That woman did not know the meaning of fun Charlotte thought.

Just as Charlotte thought she could endure no more boredom, Ira mentioned a new movie at the theater. Charlotte told him she would be delighted to see it. She ignored Lucille’s disapproving look. She always nagged them to save money. Lucille even had the nerve to suggest Charlotte get a job at the factory that was hiring. Georgia had a job there. As if Charlotte was the type of woman to work in a factory!

Charlotte sang as she got dressed. Finally, she would get out of this dreary house.

Ira had joined the military and it was only a matter of time before he would be going to war like his brothers. In the meantime, he wanted to go out and have fum.

Ira was nothing like Francis. He was spontaneous, Francis predictable. Ira was carefree, outgoing. Ira liked to meet people, go dancing, was loud. Francis was quiet and shy, kept to himself.

Charlotte and Ira had more in common than either did with Francis. They would stay up late, talking for hours.

One night Ira told Charlotte he had gotten his notice that he would soon be leaving to fight the next day. He told her that she was the last beautiful face that he would see in some time. Fun times were over for now and he would be alone. He leaned over to kiss Charlotte and she did not push him away. After all, he may not even come back. He whispered in her ear how much he would miss her and that he would think about her while he was gone. He told her that it was her that he chose to spend his last night with. Charlotte flattered did not turn down his advances.

All Lucille’s boys were away fighting in the war. She missed them terribly. So many men had lost their lives. Would her sons come back home? She didn’t know how she would bare losing any one of them, particularly her Francis.

Lucille received a letter in the mail from the military. She shook as she slowly opened it.