Love Lost

There’s an old story that many would call a ‘wives tale’. Few believe, but the selected few that have witnessed the truth do. The story takes place at Castle Island in South Boston during the 1700s, around the time of the Revolutionary War to be exact. At the time, Fort Independence was known as Castle William and was a refuge place for families and some Loyalists, or Tories. Two people, a husband and a wife, had taken refuge at the famed fort. No one knows their names but their story is one that will never be forgotten.
The story starts with the husband being called off to the war to help his fellow countrymen fight overseas. His distraught wife cried as she saw him off with a promise of to wait for him at the Castle William until he returned. So, every night, she would go to the roof of the fort and wait, watching to see her husband’s ship sail into port. For many years she did this, not knowing that her husband had been killed at sea. She never left the fort, even when the war was finished, telling all that this was where she promised to wait for her husband and this is where she will stay until his arrival. After another number of years, the lady, now old, died. But, her soul never left the fort and to this day, the old lady’s soul still goes up to the top of the fort and looks for her husband and awaiting his arrival home from the sea. No one has ever seen her soul, but tales have been made of people who hear a moaning at night of a man’s name being called and the sobs of a crying lady.
Only one other tale has been told like this, a tale that is so similar that you would think that someone had just copied it but changed the time and location. But, as you read on, you will find that another tale will be added to the original one, almost not alike at all. But, those who know the truth of the first one and have heard the second tale as well, will know the truth behind them both and will be able to pick out the similarities in the one you are about to hear.
October 5, 2011 started out as just a normal day for twenty-two year old Karlia Magarelli. She woke up at five AM, got dressed, made sure her mom and step-dad were still passed out cold from all the alcohol and drugs they consumed last night, and then went to get breakfast and school lunches ready for her two younger sisters, Maribella and Antoinette. After her real dad died in the house fire that had taken place in her homeland, Parma, Italy, her mom had moved the three to America in hope to start a better life and to bounce back well after the death of the father of her children. Starting anew for the family started with moving into a tenement home in the North End of Boston, the place where everywhere you turned you would find a person of Italian descendant. After being in America for a few months, the widowed wife of Amato Magarelli met a new man, Anthony ‘Tony’ Berardi. At first he seemed nice, but after the now Maria Berardi married him, his true side came out, an abusive alcoholic. And that was why Karlia, after she dropped her sisters off to school, had to go work four jobs a day so her family could just barely get by. Karlia’s first job consisted of her waiting tables at a local café not even five minutes from her home. Then, at noon she would leave to go to her second job which was working at a local consignment shop until it was time for her to pick up her two sisters from school. Once she dropped them off at the tenement home, she would go to her favorite job, working at the famed pizza joint ‘Pizzeria Regina’s’. What she liked most about this job was the friendly people and her co-workers who understood her predicament and tried to help her and her sisters out the best that they could. She also loved the Italian atmosphere that the restaurant gave off because it made her feel like she was back home in Italy. Another thing that she would learn to love about her job would be that’s where she would meet her first love…
Karlia’s fourth job was her least favorite. Even though it paid the most, she hated what she had to do to get that money. She was a dancer at a local night club. Karlia hated that she had to lower her standards in self-worth to help her family but it had to be done; no matter how much she knew her father would disapprove.
“Karlia, baby, I need you to cover for my shift. My son is sick and I need to get home to him.” Karlia’s forty year old co-worker Eileen stated as she quickly started to throw on her coat. Eileen was Karlia’s second mother and a lady that Karlia looked up to and admired greatly for her strength and courage as she raised her nine kids and still made time for herself and for her husband. All that and being a cancer survivor, Karlia would always add when people asked her why she admired the woman so greatly.
“Sure thing mama, tell your son that I hope he feels better.” Karlia said in her soft soprano voice. Eileen smiled gently at the girl before making her way towards the exit of the pizza place.
“It’s about time someone showed up to wait on us, we’ve been waiting here for a long time!” a male’s voice stated as Karlia made her way to the back table that Eileen was supposed to take. Karlia looked up and saw a whole table of men staring back at her as the one who spoke glared, waiting for an answer. She couldn’t help but notice that he looked about her age, maybe older and that his facial expression was nothing serious, that a smile of laughter was permanently etched into the smirk he bore.
“Sorry, something came up with your original waitress, but I am here now and ready to take your order…that is if you are ready.” Karlia commented as she held her gaze on the outspoken man.
“We are ready to order and it’s alright, it wasn’t that long of a wait. Brad here was just being his usual rude self.” The man at the end of the table commented, his voice laced with such a beautiful accent that made Karlia melt inside. Smiling softly, she listened to the group of men state what they wanted before writing it all down.
“I’ll go place your orders in now. It should be about a twenty to thirty minute wait.” Was all she said before she walked off to the kitchen with the orders.
While Karlia was continuing her rounds and Eileen’s, the men at the table took it upon themselves to start talking.
“She was hot.” The youngest one commented as he took a sip of his soda, wishing it was beer.
“You have no chance man; she doesn’t look like the one to fool around with players like you and me.” The man sitting next to him said.
“Segs, Marshy, can you please find something better to talk about than your latest flings?” The tallest one in the group sighed as he tried to discipline the two immature guys.
“Z’s right. I come here all the time and she’s always here.” The man with all the tattoos stated.
“And your point?”
“Well, I see her a lot. And sometimes, she’s here with these two younger girls. And other times, I see her with bruises and cuts all over her body. There’s something up with that girl and I don’t think either of you want to get mixed with her. She seems like bad news.” The man informed the two.
“Whatever, I still think she’s hot. Looks like a good night.” The older of the two immature men stated.
“Brad you are a piece of work. You couldn’t get her if you tried, she’s rather go for me instead; I’m obviously the better guy.” The other stated.
“Tyler, you are a load of bull.”
“Will you two just shut up?” the man with the crooked noise complained as he put his head in his hands. All the other guys sitting around the long, rectangular table nodded in agreement. Ignoring all the complaints and groans going out against the two friends, Tyler turned to Brad and proposed,
“Wanna make a bet?”
“What kind of bet?” Brad inquired, clearly interested in his younger friend’s proposition.
“First one to get her,” Tyler nodded in the waitress’ direction. “Gets 200 bucks and loser has to walk around Boston with the press following them dressed as a girl.” Without even a second’s thought, Brad firmly said,
“You’re on.” And from that moment on, the bet was in effect and the two guys were thinking of ways to get the attractive girl to go out with him.
About twenty-five minutes later, Karlia came back with the men at the back table’s order. Just as she came with their pizza, the guys started talking about their game tomorrow, for they were professional athletes; pro hockey players to be exact.
“And here is your pizza. Hope you guys enjoy it.” Karlia said as she placed the two large pepperoni pizzas in the middle of the table.
“Thank you.” All the athletes chorused. Just as Karlia was about to walk away, Tyler pulled her arm to stop her. Her flinching at the touch of his hand did not go unnoticed by the rest of the guys.
“Your accent, you’re not around from here are you?” Tyler asked, trying to warm up to her to make asking her out all the easier.
“Um, no… I’m originally from Parma, Italy. My family moved here about four years ago.” Karlia had no idea as to why she was telling a stranger this, it just sort of rolled off her tongue before she could stop them.
“That’s cool. Most of us here are from Canada.” The young boy rambled to the waitress. Karlia didn’t really know how to respond to this so she just nodded and smiled.
“You don’t really care do you?” The guy who had rudely commented earlier asked.
“Not really, sorry.” For some reason all the guys at the table laughed and started to make fun of Tyler. Really confused and not knowing what to do, Karlia just quietly left the scene, not wanting to intrude or get behind on any of her other customers.
“Why are you here all alone? What happened to all the other guys?” Karlia questioned when she came back to collect the bill from the table in the back with all the men. Only one was remaining and it was the rude one.
“I was the lucky bastard who got stuck with the short end of the straw when we drew to see who would pay.” The man grumbled as he started to go through his wallet.
“Oh…sorry?” Once again, these strange men had left her at a loss for words.
“Whatever, here this should cover it. Keep the change.” The man said as he handed her a wad of cash.
“Thanks…” Karlia trailed off, for she didn’t know what to call the man.
“Brad, the name’s Brad.” Brad held his hand out to her for her to shake.
“Well, thank you Brad. Enjoy the rest of your day.” Karlia said as she started to walk off. Once she was sure Brad was out of sight, she stopped, leaned against the wall, and looked through the money that Brad had left her. To say she was in shock once she had finished counting out everything was an understatement. Brad had left her almost a hundred dollars for a tip. But that was not what shocked her the most. No, what did shock her the most was that folded in all the money was a piece of a napkin with a number scribbled on it.
“His number obviously.” She mumbled while rolling her eyes. She had had multiple guys hand her their numbers, but that was at her fourth job at the night club. Never had it happened during this job.
He kept coming back after that day; him and the younger one both. They both came in at different times and on different days, but Karlia and all the other workers started to notice a pattern between the two and that something was up.
“I personally think they both like you.” A middle-aged Italian woman stated as she walked by Karlia with a tray of drinks. Karlia rolled her eyes as she noticed the older one of the two take his usual seat in the back of the pizza joint. She had learned in the past three weeks that his name was Brad Marchand and he played hockey. The other, she had also learned, was named Tyler Seguin and he played hockey as well. Two hockey players going after her, imagine that? Karlia laughed to herself at that.
“Hello Mister Brad, do you want your usual?” Karlia asked as she went to take Brad’s order. Brad looked up from his phone and noticed something on Karlia’s face that he hadn’t ever noticed before on the perfectly tanned, high cheek boned face of hers…a faint mark of a bruise that was attempted to be covered by make-up.
“Are you okay? What’s wrong with your face?” Brad inquired, forgetting about his food for once. Karlia let out an involuntary gasp and instantly brought her hand to her face to where the bruise was.
“Oh, I uh…tripped and fell last night when I got in from work. My sister had left her backpack in the middle of the stairway and I didn’t see it and tripped over it and hit my head on a step.” Karlia lied right through her teeth. In truth, Tony had given her the bruise when he had stumbled in around the same time she did completely drunk and upset that he didn’t get the job that he had wanted earlier in the day. Karlia had been the only one there for him to take his anger out on…and did that he did. Visible bruises on her face weren’t THAT noticeable (thanks to make-up) but bruises and cuts ran up all along her stomach and legs.
“Oh…anyway, well yeah, I’ll have my usual.” Brad ordered, accepting the story that she had given him.
“Alrighty then.” And then she walked off to complete her last order of the day before she went to her other job.
Another couple of days have passed and after winning a huge game against a rival team, Brad and a few of his teammates were heading out to a local bar downtown Boston.
“So, any luck with that waitress of yours?” Zdeno Chara, a man who had been there when the bet between the two young players was made, asked.
“Awful. For some reason she keeps turning me down every time I ask her.” Tyler Seguin groaned as he thought back to all his futile attempts to ask out the lovely waitress Karlia. All the players who had decided to go to the bar laughed.
“What about you Marchy? Any luck?” Tyler asked, turning to his friend.
“Haven’t asked her yet, waiting for the right time. See Segs, unlike you I’m actually gonna be patient and go about this the right way.” Brad stated, ignoring all the shocked looks the guys were giving him.
“Marchand taking it slowly with a girl? Never thought I’d live to see the day!” Patrice Bergeron, a man who had also been there when the two had made the bet, stated with a laugh.
“Shut up Bergy. And yes I am, cuz I wanna win the bet to see Seggy here walk around Boston dressed as a girl.” Brad defended, knowing that those had not been his true meaning behind what he said. After creating small talk with the waitress, Brad had come to realize that the girl actually was nice and not the type of girl that would throw herself at any type of men, professional athletes or not. And that was the very reason he had actually grown to like her.
“Sure, that’s the reason.” Patrice muttered as the group of hockey players walked into the club. Multiple hours later was when it happened. The guys were getting ready to leave but both Marchand and Jordan Caron wanted one last look at the dancers that had kept them entertained the whole night. As he watched a new dancer prance across the stage in a VERY revealing outfit that normally would’ve turned him on, Brad couldn’t help but notice that they girl was the very same girl he had fallen in love with. The other hockey players realized it to, Brad could tell as their mouths were dropped opened.
“C’mon boys lets go.” Brad mumbled, pulling everyone from their trance of thoughts.
“But don’t you wanna see your lover dance for you?” Tyler joked.
“I said let’s go!” Brad yelled, not wanting to stay in the blasted place for another minute. The players of the Boston Bruins all followed the smaller man out of the club, for once speechless by his actions. Brad had never acted that way about anything and they had never seen him so serious in his life about a girl.
Karlia had seen him to. From the moment she stepped onto the stage she had seen their shocked faces and the disappointment on Brad’s. That, in her opinion, was worse than the way her job made her feel, worse than the way she gets beaten every night so her sisters don’t have to. Yes, the feeling of seeing the person that you have developed feelings for surpasses all the awful outcomes of everything else. Karlia couldn’t tell you when she started to feel for the man with the big, long noise and beautiful eyes but she did. She assumed that it was during one of the many times he tried to hit on her, or when he tried to get out of her what her life was like and respected her wishes to not talk about it. No man had ever respected her like he had during their short talks before. And that scared her. She had vowed that she would never love a man so she wouldn’t be able to get hurt and now, to have feelings for a guy she barely knows, and now that she was falling for this guy, it overwhelmed her and scared the hell out of her; but she was really falling for him and that was what she focused on when he saw her. And then, when she came to the rash decision to confront him, he turned around and left with his group of friends.
One week had passed since the incident at the night club and Brad had not been seen in his normal booth with the run-down seats in the back of the pizza joint. To say that Karlia was disappointed when every day she did not see him was an understatement. She used to look forward to seeing him constantly and now the man Brad was no longer in her life it seemed.
“He’s here today.” Eileen informed Karlia has she walked into the pizza place with her younger sisters in tow.
“Really?” Karlia asked, trying to hide her excitement.
“Yes, do you want me to watch the girls so you can go talk to him?” Eileen offered as Maribella started to braid Antoinette’s long, dark, brown hair.
“That would be lovely. Thanks Eileen, I owe you.”
“No you don’t darling, it’s about time you find happiness in your life. Now go on and talk to him before he leaves.” Karlia smiled kindly at the woman before walking off to the man in the back.
“Brad, we need to talk.” Karlia said bluntly as she sat down in front of him, not caring that she demanded his attention or that she abruptly interrupted his train of thought.
“I do not have anything to say to you. Now, would you kindly leave, I am meeting a girl here and I do not want her to see me with you.” Those harsh words didn’t even affect Karlia as she practically yelled,
“Damn it Brad, you will listen to me and you will listen good. What you saw at that club is not me.”
“Then who is it? Cuz she looked a hell of a lot like you Karlia!” Brad stated.
“Look, the only reason I have that job is because I need money and I need it bad. I got two sisters to take care of and put through school. I have to provide everything for my family and I need all the money that I can get; even if it means working the most degrading job in the world!” Karlia exclaimed.
“Find another job! There are other jobs in the world Karlia!” Brad didn’t miss a beat.
“I am working four jobs Brad and I still don’t have enough money to pay for my family’s needs!”
“Parents?” Brad asked, implying about what they do for work.
“Both druggies and alcoholics.” Was the simple reply. Brad’s eyes shot up and his mouth dropped open, finding it hard to believe that was the family the girl he had grown to like had grown up with.
“Now do you see why I have that awful, shameful job? Because it provides the money that I need to take care of those two.” Karlia pointed to her two sisters that were now drinking some soda in a plastic cup, courtesy of one of the waitress’ who had taken a liken to the two girls.
“Those are your sisters?” Brad stated in a question form.
“Yeah, the older looking is Maribella, she’s twelve and the other is Antoinette and she is seven. When they don’t have school I usually bring them to work with me so they won’t have to stay home with my parents all day.” Karlia informed Brad while smiling as her youngest sister laughed at something Maribella had said. It made Karlia happy when she could see her sisters carefree and full of joy.
“They’re abusive aren’t they? Your parents?” Brad asked. Karlia knew that she had to be truthful to this man, she owed it to him for listening to her family life and troubles.
“My step-dad is. My mom doesn’t physically abuse us, but she does verbally, but both me and Maribella can take that kind of abuse. It’s Antoinette that we both worry about. And I usually take all the physical beatings from my step-dad so my sisters don’t have to. They don’t need to go through that kind of pain at such a young age.” After hearing that, Brad not only liked Karlia, but had grown a sense of admiration for her.
“Karlia, I am sorry.” Was all he could think to say.
“Doesn’t matter,” she said with a shrug. “All the sorrys in the world can’t undo the past and won’t stop the future.” Brad, for once, was speechless and didn’t know what to say.
“Well, now that you know the truth about my life, I got to go and take orders. I’ll see you around?” Karlia asked.
“Until you get sick of me.” Brad said with a wink. Karlia rolled her eyes and just like that the two were back to their original relationship. Except this time, trust levels on both sides were risen and the love for the other grown.
“Hey Brad,” Karlia stopped and said turning back around from when she walked away. “Do you wanna maybe wanna hang out sometime when I’m not working?”
“Like a date?” Brad asked, knowing full well that Karlia had known his intentions from the first day he tried to talk to her after the bet was made.
“That’s what you wanted from the start right?” The smile on his face said it all.
The two were almost inseparable from that moment on. Brad had instantly taken on the role of being Karlia’s knight in shining armor, something that he was very new to and Karlia was learning to be the dutiful girlfriend to a pro athlete while still trying to provide to her family.
It had been two months since they had that first date and three weeks since Brad had officially made Karlia his girlfriend. And now, Brad was getting ready to ask her to take the next step in their relationship with him.
“So, Karlia, I have a very serious question for you.” Brad started as he sat with his girlfriend in his usual booth at the pizza place that they both loved, even though Karlia worked there.
“No, I am not having sex with you.” Karlia stated bluntly. Brad started to laugh.
“That’s not what I was going to ask!” Brad defended himself.
“Well then get on with the question; I have to get back to work.” Karlia said, laughing herself.
“I want you to move in with me. And, before you protest, Maribella and Antoinette can come to.” Brad imposed.
“Brad, I…I don’t know what to say. I…I’m not sure. I can’t just move them like that.” Karlia reasoned.
“Oh come on Karls, you know they love me. And besides, living with me is way better than your living arrangements now…no offense.” Brad added quickly.
“Well, any place is better than our home Brad, it doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. But are you sure? We’re gonna be a lot of work if we do. And your flat will not be yhour personal space any more, it won’t be how you like it. This is a very serious decision.”
“Karlia, babe, I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Karlia could see the truth in his eyes.
“Well then, I guess you got three new roommates. Now, is there anything else that you would like to say before my break is over?”
“I want you to quit at least two jobs.” Brad simply said.
“Wha-what? Brad, I can’t do that? How will I get the money I need for the girls?” Karlia stuttered, too in shock to put words together.
“I. Want. YOU. To QUIT. TWO. Jobs.” Brad said very slowly, dragging each word out as long as he could.
“Brad, I can’t! I got the girls to look after!” Karlia exclaimed once she semi got over the shock.
“Karlia, I would be happy to help you out financially. I mean, I got more than enough money so it’s not like that will be a problem. Please let me do this Karlia,” Brad pleaded when he noticed the hesitation in her eyes. “Let me do this so I can feel that I did something good with myself.” Karlia did not take that last part very well.
“Brad Marchand I am NOT some stupid charity case! Pity me all you want the answer is no.” She hollered as she got up from the table and stormed away. Brad quickly got up and followed her.
“Karlia, I didn’t mean it that way and I am sorry if I offended you. Please can you just come and stay with me. I would feel much better at nights knowing that you are safe if you know what I mean.” Brad whispered that last part because there were many people standing around the two of them.
“Brad, I don’t know.” Karlia mumbled after seeing the complete look of remorse on his face and in his eyes.
“Please Karls, I can’t stand knowing that you are putting yourself in danger every night. I love you too much to have anything bad happen to you.” Brad admitted, causing Karlia to become speechless for the second time that afternoon.
“You-you love me?” She gasped when he nodded and muttered “yes”.
“I-I love you to. I’ve been considering the idea of love for a while, but hearing you say it just made me realize that what I do feel for you is love.” Karlia said after a moment’s thought. Brad, acting on an impulse, pulled Karlia close to him and crushed his lips against hers.
“I love you Karlia Lydia Magarelli.”
“And I love you Bradley Kevin Marchand.”
Karlia quickly moved her and her sisters in with Brad following that stint in Pizzeria Regina’s. She also quick her first job of working at the breakfast place and her fourth job of working at the night club (much to Brad’s pleasure). What please Karlia most about the move was how much happier her sisters were. They didn’t always act afraid around people and they had a more talkative and cheerful persona. They had also taken to Brad very well, worshiping and following his every move, thinking he was the greatest person on the face of the earth…after their sister that was.
Everyone on Brad’s team was sharing in Brad’s newfound love and happiness as well. They all loved Karlia and the whole team and staff thought she was just what Brad needed to take himself down a few pegs and to see that the real world was not all rainbows and butterflies. They also had learned about her past and they respected her for who she was and what she did for her sisters. Which was why, any time Brad and Karlia wanted to spend a night to themselves, any player on the team would instantly offer to babysit the two girls so the happy couple could get their alone time. Everyone was sharing in the happiness that radiated off of the ‘perfect couple’. Everyone except one that is…
Tyler Seguin was jealous of Brad Marchand and his perfect relationship with Karlia Magarelli…and it was not just because of the strong bromance that the two shared and Karlia took away from that, which was what the whole team seemed to believe. But, that wasn’t the reason. No, the real reason was because once again, he fell short and looked like the young, incapable boy on the team. Tyler had really wanted to get the chance to know the girl and he really wanted to prove to everybody that he could be a gentleman and have a serious relationship. But, instead he got rejected and was once again made the laughing stock of the team has he paraded around Boston in a short, tight, black dress that he had borrowed from his sister and a matching pair of black stilettos. And this feeling of worthlessness and all the insecurities he felt caused him to have this hatred towards the couple.
That feeling was multiplied by ten this one day, just after the Bruins lost to the Washington Capitals in the first round of playoffs. Brad and Tyler planned to get together for one last “hurrah” before they both went home to their homes outside of Boston. The two decided to go to Brad’s house first and then hit a Red Sox game together.
“Hey Tyler! Brad is in the kitchen.” Karlia greeted when Tyler arrived at the Marchand household. Tyler grunted his thanks to the girl he had fallen for and then walked off to the kitchen to see Brad looking at a little box in his hand.
It was a ring.
“You’re gonna propose to the chick? You’ve only known her for a few months!” Tyler exclaimed without even a “hello” to his best buddy.
“Geez man, lower your voice, I don’t want her or her sisters to hear. And yes I am. I love her and she’s different and I don’t want to let her go.” Brad rambled. Tyler, having heard Karlia starting to walk towards the kitchen, quickly devised a nasty plan out of spite and hatred of the couple…a plan that he would later regret for the rest of his life.
“Bet you’re glad we made that bet than, eh? To see which one of us we could get her to fall for.” Before Brad could say anything, the sharp, slightly accented voice of Karlia rang out from behind him.
“That’s what I was to you? A BET? Brad, I thought that you genuinely liked me! I thought that you were serious about me! And now I have to find out that it was all a bet!” Tears were pouring down Karlia’s face like a waterfall. She couldn’t believe it. She thought Brad was the one, that he was different than all the others that tried to pursue her.
“Karlia, you don’t understand…”
“Forget it Brad. Was our whole relationship a lie? Did you mean it when you said you loved me? Or was that a part of the bet to? To get me to believe that someone like you would love me. Did you two take pity on me or something? Huh? I LOVED you Brad! I let down all guards down for you! I set aside the fact that I was as scared as hell and got into a relationship with you because I really fell for you Brad! I fell for you hard! So, how could you have done this? How can I trust you? How do I know that what you had told me, about me being special to you or me being the prettiest girl you have seen was real? Was it all a lie? Was everything about us a lie?” Karlia ranted as her sisters came into the kitchen to find out what all the commotion was about.
“Karlia, no. I love you. Screw the bet that was just made so I would grow a pair to ask you out. Karlia, baby, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you Karlia.” Brad tried, tears of his own trailing down his face.
“I wish I could believe you but I can’t. Goodbye Brad.” And with that, she hustled the girls off to their rooms to help them pack.
“Thanks Seguin, I hope that you’re happy.” Was all Brad could get out as his sobs consumed him. Tyler, feeling pretty low at the moment, just silently left the house, wishing that he could take back those words…those vile words.
The next day, Karlia and her two sisters were gone. No word was left behind from them and no one knew where they went. Not even Eileen from Pizzeria Regina’s. The only thing left behind from Karlia was the diamond necklace that Brad had given her for her one month anniversary.
Brad went to the pizza place every day, hoping to find out or hear word from the girl that he loved. Nothing ever came up. And that is how that old wives tale and this story are alike; because he waited for that one girl to come back to him for the rest of his life and after, just like the wife did for her soldier.