Home is where the Heart

I solemnly swear that I will devote my life to serving -- the weak, the confused, the hurt, the frightened, and every hand that comes within my reach.

Every morning, when home seemed so far away, Connor would repeat his vow when he pulled his dog tag out from under his shirt. The metal plates clinked together, just below his fingers, as sunlight glinted along the edge with a silver touch. In quiet moments where all Connor could hear were his breaths, perhaps they were little reminders that ticked the days he had left before coming home.Home’ -- Connor realized he was the last one in his barrack that morning. Slipping his dog tag below his shirt collar, Connor slipped into his boots and slung his duffel bag over his shoulder. The weight of three years felt as light as a feather with every step before him. Once under the sun, bathed with the rest of the descendants from an unsung horizon, the promised plane touched the landing strip. Not a voice was unheard when ‘home’ etched itself over the hundreds of rejoices that trumpeted its call.