Blossoms of Love

by Juanita Jane Foshee

  In January, it was final that Lamont wouldn’t be coming back. Mrs. Ellman received his allotment and a letter from the Navy.

  Mrs. Dorothy Ellman,

  I regret to inform you that Captain Lamont Ellman, who was missing in action, has now been formally pronounced final. There is no doubt he gave his life for his country and is awarded the flying cross for his heroic duties.

  Everyone had hoped until now that Lamont would be back. David got on his horse and told Carolyn, “I’ll be back soon. I’ve got to be alone for a while.”

  As David rode along the fence that separated his and Lamont’s ranch he thought, “I just can’t accept it Monty. I can’t believe you won’t come back. I’ve got this gut feeling you are still alive.” Tears came in his eyes. He got off his horse and looked out over the land and mountains Monty loved so much. He sighed and said aloud to the wind, “You’ll be back Monty. I’m buying us more stock next month. We’ll be back like we were.” He took his handkerchief out of his pocket and said, “We’ve been through a lot together Monty. I made it back. I know damn well you will too. I don’t care what the Navy wrote. They don’t know you like I do.” He wiped the tears from his eyes. He said, “Bud, if you could see me now you’d sure tease the hell out of me. Damn! Monty hurry up and come back.”

  He got back on his horse. He really felt better, as if he had talked to Lamont and Lamont heard him.

  In March, Mrs. Ellman asked, “David, what can I do with Monty’s house? I can’t let it set there empty from now on.” David said, “We’ll just have to take care of it. Mom Ellman, I believe Monty will be back.” Mrs. Ellman asked, “Dave, how can you believe that? It’s been seven months since the war ended. I got the allotment and the letter from the Navy.” David said, “I know all that Mom. All the odds are again it but the Navy makes mistakes just like anyone else does. I’ve just got that feeling.” She said, “Sometimes I feel the way you do, but then deep inside I know Monty is gone just like Paul. It hurts worse because I couldn’t put him next to Paul.” David kissed Mrs. Ellman on the cheek, “I’ll take care of Monty’s house.” Mrs. Ellman said, “You’re taking care of both ranches.” David said, “I want to Mom.” She smiled, “I hope Monty knew just how much you loved him.” David said, “He knew just as I know he felt the same about me.”

  In April, Natalie married her lawyer boyfriend. David hoped she’d be happy. He hoped she had found the person she could have happiness and contentment with just as he had with Carolyn.

  Summer came. Berry, Leon, David, and Johnny took care of the club. Everyone was proud of it. The club was growing. Even young people from neighboring towns came. David suggested that they build the club larger. He said he would furnished the money for it. So they made plans to add to the club. When the people heard about it, they insisted on donating the money themselves.

  Summer went swiftly by. The war had been over almost a year. People were getting back into their normal ways of life.

  In September, Cindy announced she was pregnant. Along the last of the month, Alice was shocked to learn that she was pregnant. She looked at Berry, “I can’t believe it. Three different doctors said I could never get pregnant.” Berry asked, “Dr. Morris are you sure?” Dr. Morris smiled, “Positive. Sometimes these things happen. We don’t know why?” Alice asked, “Will the baby be normal?” Dr. Morris answered, “Of course no one knows that, but I see no reason why it shouldn’t be. You are very healthy.” When they got up to leave Dr. Morris asked, “When have you all heard from Barbara?” Alice said, “No one has since before Christmas.”

  In October, David got a letter from Dr. Dennis Lennon. David was puzzled. He didn’t know a doctor by that name. He opened the letter.

  Mr. David Agar,

  This letter is pertaining to a patient we have. He was brought in the last of January. One of the prisoners of war in the South Pacific. There are no dog tags and he refuses to give his rank and number. Once in his sleep, he called your name. Through a lot of paperwork and phone calls, we learned you were in the Navy. That is how we found you. Could you possibly come here?

  Chief of Staff,

  Dr. Dennis Lennon

  David breathed to himself, “It’s Monty. I know it is.” Carolyn came into the den, “Darling would you like steak for supper?” Then she saw the letter in his hand, “What is it Dave?” He handed her the letter. After reading the letter she said, “Do you think it’s Monty?” David said, “I’m sure it is. I don’t want anyone to know about this yet. There is some reason he won’t let them know who he is. Just tell them I took a trip about some stock.”

  David threw a few things together and was on a plane to California in four and a half hours after reading the letter. On the flight, David was happy because he was sure it was Lamont. He also felt a little afraid. How was he going to find him? What condition was he in?

  The hospital was a huge building. It was out of town in quiet, peaceful surroundings. David asked to see Dr. Lennon. He had to wait almost an hour. Dr. Lennon was about his age. The doctor said, “I’m Dr. Lennon.” David said, “I’m David Agar.” For a second, the name didn’t register then he said, “Yes, yes I remember. Sit down Mr. Agar.” The doctor looked at David, “I hope I haven’t sent for you for nothing.” He got up from his desk, “Come with me. I want you to see if you know him.”

  David followed him down to a room. The door was shut but they could see through the glass window in the door. There was at least ten beds in the room. Dr. Lennon said, “Look at the one on the first bed on the right.” David’s eyes anxiously looked at each bed, then he saw the man. He almost said he didn’t know him. He kept looking at him. Then he said, “My God, what have they done to him?” Dr. Lennon asked, “Do you know him?” David ran his hand through his hair, “Yes. I know him.” Dr. Lennon said, “Come with me to my office.”

  Again, David followed the doctor. In his office Dr. Lennon said, “Relax Mr. Agar. That guy in there is as stubborn as a mule and has willpower like you’ve never seen. If he hadn’t been that way, he would have been dead a long time ago. He is one officer the Japs got no where with.” David said, “He doesn’t look like he would weigh more than a hundred pounds.” Dr. Lennon said, “To be exact, he weighs one hundred and ten pounds. He had very little to eat those eight months he was a prisoner of war. From this man and many more like him, the Japanese found out just how tough the Americans are. His weight is a minor thing.” He looked at David, “This man has lived a living hell. I’m sure the Japanese thought the operation they did would break the captain. Two men that were in the same camp with him said he never once broke down. That is why I have tried so hard to find someone who knew him. He deserves everything we can give him.” Dr. Lennon gave a long sigh, “The operation is why the captain doesn’t want to be known. In fact, he doesn’t have any will or desire to live.” David said, “That’s hard to believe doctor. Monty has so much to live for. He has always loved life.” Dr. Lennon said, “Mr. Agar, the operation the Japs performed—they partially castrated him.” David couldn’t believe what he heard. He just sat there looking at the doctor. Dr. Lennon said, “They didn’t do a good job either.” David felt sick, “That’s not human. Nobody could do that and be human.” Dr. Lennon said, “I agree completely. To tell you the truth, when they brought him in I didn’t think he would live a day. This man was hot and the bullet lodged in his left thigh. This sounds like a miracle, and it really is. That bullet has been in his leg for eight months. I don’t know what kept him from bleeding to death. Now get this, he was tortured alright. He has scars on his back. His fingers have been broken and some of his toes.” David gritted his teeth, “Damn them.” Dr. Lennon continued, “Who is he?” David said, “He is Captain Lamont Ellman. He was on a carrier. He flew one of the planes. He is like a brother to me.” Dr. Lennon said, “Well, my hat goes off to this man. He has no idea we know about you. When his fever was so high, before the operation, he called your name, and his home. Is he married?” David answered, “No. He i
s engaged. She thinks he is dead.” Dr. Lennon sighed, “I was wishing he was married and had children. In time he can enjoy sex but he can never give a wife a child.” David said, “Monty must have been captured by animals, not humans.” Dr. Lennon said, “I’ve seen a lot of POW’s come to this hospital. Two months ago, a young marine was brought here from the South Pacific. They cut his tongue out so he couldn’t talk. Another was in the Air Force. A lieutenant. They punched his eyes out.” David said, “Will Monty be alright?” Dr. Lennon said, “If he makes it through this next operation he will. I didn’t want to operate but I had no choice. He was slowly dying anyway. He doesn’t have much strength to fight back.” The doctor shook his head, “ But with this guy—how he’s made it this long was God’s will. No need to tell you he will be here a long time. In his condition, it will take months for him to recover from the next operation. He also has a touch of jungle fever which we have got to control or he’s had it.” David said, “Then I must let his family know he isn’t dead.” Dr. Lennon said, “Yes, they should know. I would rather he just had male visitors right now. Women are very emotional and I don’t want anything else going against him.” David said, “I understand. I’ll explain it to his mother.” Dr. Lennon said, “You can go in to see him now. He probably won’t know you. He is heavily sedated. He needs the rest.”

  The room was very quiet. All the men in the room with Lamont were in poor condition. You could hear the sound of breathing and the smell of a hospital. He slowly walked over to Lamont’s bed. There were tubes in his nose and his side. It broke David’s heart when he looked down at him. His blond hair was freshly cut and his face freshly shaven but he was so skinny. His cheek bones looked larger and his jaws sunk far inward. His eyes were closed. He did look restful. There was no indication of pain. As David stood looking at Lamont, a young man in the bed next to Lamont asked David, “You his brother?” David walked over to his bed, “No, I’m a good friend.” It was then that David noticed one of his arms was gone. The young man said, “I was in the same camp with the captain. If he hadn’t been so tough, me or Sergeant Bower wouldn’t be here. There were over seventy of us but we were the only ones sent here with him. I guess we were considered critical.” Tears came in his eyes, “I’m glad you came. He needs someone. He’s been through a lot of hell.” David said, “He has four brothers, a mother, and a girl he is engaged to. When I let them know he is here, they’ll all be here. We all though he was dead.” The young man said, “The captain kept us going. He was determined to get back to the US Now, since he’s here he has lost his will to live. He really wants to die.” David said, “We won’t let him. When I can talk to him, I’ll put the fight back in him. I’ve got to get the news to his mother. Take care, I’ll be seeing you.” David looked over at Lamont. He was still asleep. David decided to stay near Lamont until someone else came. He got him a motel room, rented a car, then called Carolyn. When Carolyn answered she asked, “Is it Monty?” David said, “Yes honey. It’s Monty.” Carolyn said, “That’s just wonderful!” David said, “I started to call Mom Ellman first but now I don’t know. Monty is in bad condition. Should I let Mom Ellman know or should I wait a few days?” Carolyn said, “Dave, Mom should know.” David sighed, “Let me talk to the doctor again.” David asked about the children and her then he said, “Meet me at the airport tonight. I’ll be home. I need to tell Mom myself. Then I can go back and be with Monty.” Carolyn asked, “What time?” “I’ve already checked. There’s a plane that gets there at nine fifteen.” Carolyn said, “I’ll be there darling.”

  David talked to the doctor again and the doctor thought it was wise to go back.

  As Carolyn and David rode home David said, “Dr. Lennon said Monty was slowly getting better. Monty doesn’t even know I’ve been there.” Carolyn asked, “Didn’t you get to talk to him?” David said, “They have him knocked out. The doctor wants him to get all the rest he can. Carolyn-“ She saw tears in her husband’s eyes, “Carolyn you wouldn’t believe what they did to him. Those damn Japs aren’t people—they’re animals. When I saw him, I couldn’t believe it was Monty. You know what he weighs? One hundred and ten pounds.” Carolyn put her hand to her mouth, “With Monty’s big framed body, he must look awful.” David said, “Honey that’s just a minor thing. His fingers and toes have been broken. Oh God—Carolyn, they partially castrated him.” David cried like a little boy. Carolyn stopped the car and parked. She let David cry and she breathed, "Oh Lord, have mercy.” David said, “From what the doctor said, they butchered him pretty bad.” Tears came to Carolyn’s eyes, “Poor Monty. How has he lived?” David said, “He was shot in the leg. That was when Tom Woods saw him. I don’t know how he lived either unless it was pure stubbornness and love for the other prisoners.” Carolyn said quietly, “Yes and God’s will and blessings.” David said, “Yes of course, there is no doubt God touched him but he had to have the ill to go on too. Remember what Barbara said the day Mom got the news he was missing? She said Monty promised he would come back.” Carolyn said, “Yes, I very well remember that scream from Barbara.” David said, “We’ve got to find Barbara. She could help Monty more than any of us. You see, he wanted to get back to the states before he died. Now, since he is here, he really wants to die.”

  The next morning David had all the Ellmans meet him at Mom Ellman’s house. Since it was Sunday, no one had to work. They all went to church and then to Mom Ellman’s for dinner. David let them enjoy their dinner then he said, after the children went to play, “I have got news for all of you. It’s good and bad.” They all looked at him. David said, “As you know, I went on a trip for a few days. I went to a hospital in California. I got a letter from a Dr. Lennon there. First, I want you all to know why I didn’t tell you before now. I had to identify someone and I wanted to be sure before any of you had hopes.” Johnny asked, “Monty’s not dead?” David answered, “That’s right. He is in the hospital. He has been there since July.” Everyone began to cry with joy. David said, “Let me tell you the rest before you get too happy over the news. First of all, Monty had to be operated on. They had to take a bullet from his leg. Monty is in very poor condition. He weighs only one hundred and ten pounds.” They looked at each other. David continued, “The doctor seems to think he will pull through but it’s gonna take a long time. Monty was tortured. All of his fingers and some of his toes were broken.” Leon cursed and Johnny hit his fist against his hand, while Berry walked up and down. Allen said, “It’s God’s will he came back.” David’s face looked pale, “There’s more.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I don’t see how there can be more.” David said, “This is the sickening part.” They all looked at him. The look on his face let them know it was very bad. David swallowed hard and with tears in his eyes said, “There’s no easy way to tell you. The Japs tried to find Monty’s breaking point but he didn’t break. Down.” David’s voice broke and he began to cry. Carolyn put her arm around him. Johnny asked, “What in the hell did they do Dave?” It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. David cleared his throat, “They cut him. They partially castrated him, like a hog or a horse.”

  Everything was silent. It seemed they couldn’t believe what they just heard. Then Mrs. Ellman said, “Oh God in heaven, why—why?” Berry said, “We must go to him.” David said, “I agree.” Mrs. Ellman said, “I’m going to my son. He needs me now more than he ever has.” David said, “Not yet Mom. The doctor said he didn’t want Monty having visitors for a while. There are nine other men in his room. A woman couldn’t stay with him, besides Mom, he didn’t know I was ever there. What some of us need to do is find Barbara.” Alice asked, “Where do you start?” Allen said, “We can hire a detective. That’s about the only way I know.” Leon said, “Sure, that’s the only way. We’ll all put in together and pay him.” Johnny said, “Now what we should do is take turns staying with Monty. No point in all of us going at the same time. There are five of us men. Two at a time can go. One will have to double each time.” Berry said, “That’s using your brain
Johnny.” Leon said, “Yea, that will leave one man here with the women since Cindy and Alice are pregnant.” David said, “I’m going back tonight. Who wants to go with me? I’ve got a motel room rented and a car rented. It’s at the airport.” Berry said, “I’ll go with you.”

  They had to call Dr. Morris to give Mom Ellman a shot. Johnny cornered David, “I got to know Dave, how bad did they cut him?” David answered, “I don’t know. The doctor just said he was butchered.” Johnny broke down and cried. He said, “I remember when we were about grown, Monty use to brag because he was bigger than me. He use to laugh and say he was the only Ellman who had the tools to satisfy a woman. Damn it! Why didn’t they go ahead and kill him?” David said, “You don’t mean that.” Berry said, “I’ve been thinking the same thing. What has Monty got to live for? What about his sex life?” David said, “Dr. Lennon said he would have sex and enjoy it but there could never be any children. That’s why we must find Barbara. She can be a crutch for Monty. She can give him the love and affection he needs.”

  There was very little change in Monty when Berry and David went to see him. Berry said, “Monty—it’s Berry—Dave is here too.” Lamont just lay lifeless. If he heard Berry, he didn’t show any motion or open his eyes.

  As the weeks passed, the detective the Ellmans hired had no luck. He found where she lived but she had moved away and didn’t leave her new address.