Life is a series of events, one leading you to another. The hell I lived through with my drug-addicted parents led me to the Marine Corps. Committing my life to my country was easy. My brothers were my family—all I had and all I needed. I wasn’t looking for her, but I should have known life had other plans. It led me to her. From the moment we met, I knew he was different—I just didn’t realize he'd change my life. He was a guy on leave, an acquaintance. Until he was something more, something unforgettable. I never imagined he'd leave ten days later, taking a piece of me with him. Then again, maybe I did know. I just didn't care. He was worth it.