A/N : this story is going be full of angst, so prepare your tissues. request any stories, I'm starting to run out of ideas!
⚠️WARNING⚠️: angst, some language, mentions of death and gore
Background Song : I'll Cover You ~ Rent : The Movie Cast
Author POV
2 years. It's been 2 years you've gone without your husband's love. 'Why did he have to go...?' You've thought this to yourself day after day. The house felt empty, more emptier than it usually is. Your husband, Craig Tucker was a war hero. You and Craig have been best friends since diapers. You guys first met when your family first moved to South Park. He was the first kid who played with you. You two practically grew up together, tethered to the hip as it were. Your feelings for one another grew into something deeper and you both started dating in middle school. Craig had a bit of a rebellious streak in middle school, and you were there along for the ride. After you two graduated high school, Craig had decided to go to the army. You were fine with it, but you knew that you would miss him dearly.
You went on to college to get your early childhood development degree and eventually become a well-known elementary school teacher. You and Craig had written letters to each other, facetimed, and texted each other while he was stationed all around the world. It was hard at first to be without Craig, but you eventually got used to it. When you two first moved into your penthouse, Craig had a bit of a surprise. You were looking at the roses in the yard, until you turned around and saw Craig on one knee. You tearfully accepted, starting a new chapter for the (L/N)-Tucker family.
You loved teaching children, which made you evaluate about your desire to have children of your very own. Whenever Craig had his breaks, the two of you would catch up, talk about what's been going on in your individual lives, and other subjects that came to mind. This particular break, you talked to Craig about the possibility of children. Craig was surprised at first, but he came around to the idea of having children. After that break, you two were blessed with your son and daughter, Camila and Oliver. Your life together couldn't get even happier...until it took a turn for the worst.
*FLASHBACK STARTS*
You were feeding your two toddlers whenever you heard a knock on the door. You went to the door, and see a commander. He has a uniform and a badge that looks slightly familiar. "Mrs. (L/N)-Tucker?" The commander asks, a little pain springing free from his voice. "Yes...? What's going on? Where's....Craig?" You ask, your mind automatically thinking the worst. "That's...what I'm here to inform you of. Craig...Craig didn't make it...." The commander says, taking his hat off his head, giving you Craig's items.
He places his hat on his chest and continues to explain, "There was an ambush and Craig was shot...The nurses did their best...but in the end, Craig couldn't pull through..." You were floored. Your heart sank, felt like it was breaking bit by bit. Your eyes fill with tears, as you recount all of the memories you both shared. "My.....My husband....is.....DEAD?!" You shriek, your body shaking with grief. The commander shakes his head, slowly breaking into tears. The commander was one of Craig's best friends and the thought of telling you this broke his heart.
You continue to cry, sobbing into the arms of the commander, as he silent cries. Your whole world felt upside down, you were crushed. After a moment, the commander explains the protocol for an army widow. After the explanation, the commander says, "You know if you anything, you can call me." You nod, making your way back into the house. You call Craig's parents and Tricia to tell them the news. You tell them, and they were just as crushed as you were, they all were comforting each other along with you. Craig's mom and dad volunteered to take the kids for a while so you can process.
You put everything Craig owned from the army in a large picture frame, hanging it on the wall next to your wedding and family pictures. 'Craig....I will always love you....I can't wait to see you again' You thought, kissing your fingers, placing them onto Craig's photo.
*FLASHBACK END*
You eventually told Camila and Oliver what happened to Craig when they were a little older, and understandably, they were in shambles. You tried to hold back your tears as your kids cried in your arms, the grief of your husband's loss waving back over you. Your kids are now in middle school, attending South Park Middle School. You had to take a break from teaching for a while, but eventually you went back to teaching your beloved class. Your life went substantially back to normal, but it was never the same.
At night, you had nightmares of Craig's mangled body, haunting the halls of your shared house. You'll never forget the sight of Craig's story on the news. You eventually got over that figment of guilt and grief and have been progressing every day. Every year on his birthday, you visit his grave with your family and in laws to honor him. Craig's friends also come to visit. His friends all visit you and help out if needed from you. You felt blessed for having friends and family that cared about you and supported you throughout the journey.
Y/N POV
"Kids! Dinnertime!" You yell upstairs, and your children come racing down the stairs. Camila and Oliver are now 11 and 10 years old, they've grown so fast. "Mom! I got an A on my science project! They said they loved my rocket model! They said it looked a lot like Dad's from when he was in middle school!" Oliver exclaims, putting his science report on the fridge. Your mind wanders toward the day of the funeral. That day changed everything, not just for you but everyone that knew Craig.
*FLASHBACK STARTS ~ Start playing the song placed above*
Author POV
You were driving to the church, your wedding song playing the background. Your best friend, Nicole was sitting in the passenger seat, holding your free hand. It was taking everything in you not to burst into tears. You wanted to be strong, not just for you but for your children too. Craig's parents had the kids already at the church. You finally made it to the church, walking up the stairs, dreading to see him. There he was, in a closed coffin. Oh what you would give to see his face once again.
You walked slowly up to the pulpit, sitting next to the altar. The priest starts the ceremony, having Craig's father reading the obituary. You had glasses on, so that no one could see your tears. Practically everyone in South Park attended your husbands funeral. Some of his buddies from the army came to honor him as well. Your kids came to sit next to you, Camila crying while Oliver stays silent. 'Our poor babies....I'll stay strong for them. They need me.' You thought, hugging both children as the funeral proceeds.
Suddenly, Camila starts sobbing loudly along with Oliver, shocking you and breaking you heart all over again. Your parents grab the kids, trying their best to tend to the sad kids. It was now time for people to come up and share memories that have of Craig. First, his parents, his friend group, Clyde, Tweek, and Tolkien, his sister Tricia, and then it was your turn. Everyone knew it was going to be hard for you to share because well...he was your husband. The love of your life, your best friend.
You take a deep breath, and started talking about the love story of you and Craig. "I love you so much, Craig. The kids miss you so much." You finish, going to Craig's coffin, placing your hand on it, shuddering. You then go back to your seat, trembling with pain. Then, you sob, and it continues. Everyone ends up joining in, feeling your heartbreak along with their own. Nicole came to your seat and held you as long as she could.
It was time for the send off. The officials start it off, with others helping bring Craig's casket out of the church. You ran after the coffin, feeling your heart sink lower and lower. "CRAIG!!!!!!" You scream, as you fall to your knees, sobbing continuously. Your friends were trying to comfort you as much as they could as Craig's coffin was taken to the graveyard. Eventually, it was time for everyone to head to the burial then back to the church for repass.
FLASHBACK END
"Mommy?" Oliver asks, trying to get your attention. You come to, trying to fight the tears. "I'm sorry honey, mommy's been having a bit of a doozy." You explain, ruffling his hair. You kneel down to Oliver, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I am so proud of you, sweetie. Your father would be thrilled to see your model." You say, placing a kiss on Oliver's cheek. You serve your kiddos dinner and you all discuss your days.
"Mommy, I have a question. Could we have a dog?" Camila asks, with pleading eyes. You nod, with Camila and Oliver squealing with delight. You giggle, sighing. "We'll go to the shelter tomorrow after school. How does that sound?" You say, as the kids nod. This was going to be a hard transition but you know you were going to get through it. Together, as a family.
THE END
A/N : Y'all knew that some form of angst was coming ;-; lowkey made me upset writing it
Word Count : 1628 words