Good afternoon, faithful readers! Here I am with another Inktober snippet for y’all. Today’s prompt word is buddy. Enjoy!

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Ava gripped my hand as the chaplain came to an end. I looked at her beautiful, hazel eyes and tried to smile. She smiled back, leaning her head against my shoulder. Having her here with me was a comfort. I squeezed her hand and looked at the casket.

Kevin had been a great friend in Afghanistan. We fought side by side through it all.

And now he was gone. I couldn’t image a life without him, yet here I am. Standing by his grave. Kevin’s wife, Carla, sat in a chair to my right. Her mother and Kevin’s brother sat beside her. Her shoulders were shaking.

I looked around at the people gathered. Most men from my unit had come, wearing their dress uniforms. Kevin had been a friend to all of them. He was always making jokes and pranking the others. He could make light out of any situation.

I came to attention as the Honor Guard fired their rifles.

Bang. Bang. Bang.

My hand came up in a salute as the Honor Guard folded the flag. An officer presented it to Carla, who took it with shaking hands. As the funeral came to an end, I glanced at the other men in my unit. Their expressions were grim. We would all miss Kevin.

Ava went with Carla to the casket to say her goodbyes. She laid a rose gently on the polished wood. When she moved away, me and the others moved forward to say goodbye to our fallen brother. My fingers lingered on the wood.

Kevin. My buddy. Burying my friend was difficult, but Kevin had died protecting this country. I would never forget him.