She didn't forget how long he'd been gone. She couldn't shake the shock when he'd been drafted. Kidnapped and told it was for his own good. That much made sense. At least it did, until she saw the report of the Seven Division reported missing in action over Berlin and the sea front regiment. His family away from home. Buzz, Skull and Boney, and Arc. She'd never met them, but with words painted on letters of looping print, she felt like she knew them. Ready to have them come home to a warm meal and a well earned night of peace.

But her heart clenched in pain as there was one that never surfaced over that black death. Rhett. Her Rhett. The one who promised that he'd never forget or surrender. Who would return to her.

Iris wept, as the world did, when the war gave in, self imploded, and left a furious crater. The prick didn't have the ability to kill himself. He would now face justice... Justice the Government said. Where was the Justice for the children sent to play as pawns of logic and suffering.

The 8 year old gripped her hands as they watched the parades and medals. "Where's Daddy? Where's his medal?" She would ask, her excitement for the pride and celebrations tempering whenever her Daddy didn't show up.

They stopped appearing to parades, both of them knowing the truth, even as Imorna - named after Rhetts mother - held that naive hope that he'd appear. Iris forwent clothes of colour, a cross almost branded into her palms with how close she'd hold it.

She tried to move on. Make good on her life now. Enough to keep Imorna safe, happy, protected. It never felt right. "The world's not perfect, but it's not so bad. We have each other, and that's pretty grand. I am still your mother, and I'll hold your hand, I will always be there for you." She said it more than she felt it, but she wouldn't let Imorna down.

There was a knock on the door. A dreaded sound of people. A neighbour? A teacher? An armyman to finally confirm what she knew?

She opened the door morosely, before the voice and face stole her breath.

Any scenario. Who opened the door? Up to you.