Brave Soldier

Chapter One: Toshiki:

My life has taken so many turns. Lonely kid, punk brat, gentle giant, soldier, veteran, fiancé, and husband. I haven’t had so many roles that sometimes I think I might forget one. If you had met me years ago, you would’ve written me off as a failure. To tell you the truth, I didn’t think about my future. I didn’t care about myself. I was just existing. It would’ve probably stayed that way.

That’s when she came along.

It’s kind of hard to explain in words. She’s been with me forever. She’s been with me so long that I can’t remember a time where she wasn’t there. I don’t remember how and when we first met. It just happened. I don’t get her. Why me? I never figured out what she saw in me. She was the only one who believed in me. Sometimes I wondered if she was joking or not. She still stuck with me. Even after I went off to war.

You can say that this is kind of a love story in a way. There are other elements. They are relevant. The poor is I don’t know where to start with my story. I don’t want to go too far back. That would just be too boring. I could start with when I first met her but even I don’t remember all of the details. I’m sorry, there’s just so much going on. Give me a moment. No, no. I’m fine.

Right now, my wedding is in a few days. Sometimes, I have to pinch myself in the cheek. No, this is real. I really am getting married soon. This is just… Wow. I need a moment.

There was a knock on my door.

“Yeah?” I asked.

“Are you ready to go?” I heard my soon-to-be father-in-law ask. I took a breath and lifted my chin.

“Sure, I will be out in a moment!” I shouted. I sat on the bed as I heard the footsteps walking away from the door. I rose to my feet. Time to go and do this. I think I know where I want to start with my story. Yeah. I stood up and walked over to the door.

I apologize in advance if my story comes out disjointed. There is just so much that I have to say. I at least know where to start. From there, I can’t make any promises. Just…

Bear with me.

Okay, I am going to stop stalling here. I’m going to go ahead and tell my story now.