• The soft sound of the military drums pounded at Belle’s mind as she leaned on the kitchen doorframe. Before her stood her beloved in his fine pressed military uniform and his back to her. They had not talked since last night when he found out he had gotten the order to leave with the next band of soldiers. She was proud of him for wanting to go out and fight for a better future and life then what they had. This was the dawning of a new age a new time without the corrupt government of their youth, but why did it have to be him that was going off to fight? Even her pride in him could not hide the feeling of losing him. As the drums grew louder, every beat was a knife to her heart. His frame straightened as he moved towards the door and Belle had to will herself to follow him through the open door to the band of marching soldiers. Before he could join the crowd, her hand took a hold of his tightly. How she wished he would not leave her for the mistress of war. Sensing her sadness her beloved took her in his arms and tightly held her promising her that he would return home to her and the better life he will create for them. Putting her down his form vanished among the others dressed just like him leaving Belle to cry alone for a love she may never see again and a future that remained uncertain.