Soldier's Wife (Homespun) by Katie Crabapple

Author:Katie Crabapple
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2013-09-23T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Ken walked through the quiet streets of Hudspeth breathing deeply of the air. Nowhere he’d been while in the Air Corps had smelled quite the same. Nothing had seemed right when he was gone. Hudspeth was home and he was thrilled to be there.

He walked into the factory through the employee door, and every head turned toward him. Most of the workers were still the women who’d taken over when the men had left. Ken scanned the room, trying to ignore the stares, looking for Mr. Zimmerman, his old boss. Finally, he saw him sitting at his desk, talking on the telephone.

Ken walked to the office door and stood waiting for Mr. Zimmerman to finish his call. He could still feel the stares of the women working in the factory, and wished they’d go back to their work. He felt awkward enough. He wished he’d thought to change into his civilian clothes, but he’d been in the Air Corps for so long, the uniform felt natural.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Mr. Zimmerman hung up the phone and stepped through his office door. He had a huge smile on his face when he held his hand out for Ken to shake. “Welcome home! You ready to have your old job back?”

Ken nodded. “Yes, sir.”

“Can you start Monday morning?”

“I can. Eight like before?” Ken was surprised it was so easy, even though he’d been promised it would be.

“That would be great. I’m glad you’re home safe and sound.”

Ken turned toward the door. “Thanks for keeping my job for me.”

“Anything for an airman. I’ll see you Monday morning!”

Ken walked out of the factory quickly fully aware the women working at the different vats were still watching him closely. He didn’t want to be under their scrutiny, and he didn’t want anyone praising him for the work he’d done in the military. He just wanted to be alone for a while.

He took the long way home, wandering the streets of Hudspeth, searching for things that were different. He walked past the small hardware store run by a friend of his father’s, and down the street past the church. Once he reached the church, he walked to it, opening the door to see if it was empty. Pastor Johnson was at the front practicing his sermon. Ken started to leave, but the pastor called out to him.

“Ken! It’s good to have you home.” Pastor Johnson was a short, portly man who had been the pastor for as long as Ken could remember.

“Pastor Johnson. It’s good to be home.” Ken forced a smile as he walked to the pulpit and shook the older man’s hand.

“I’m glad you made it safe and sound.” The pastor paused for a moment, before saying, “I heard about your friend. I’m very sorry for your loss.”

Ken felt the tears prick his eyes. “I still feel like it’s my fault. He was my wingman. It was my job to keep him safe.”

The pastor walked to the front pew and sat down, patting the seat beside him.

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