North to Alaska

“North to Alaska old buddy, that’s where I’m headed,” Rick told Steve. “I’m in a heap of trouble in this old town and I’m getting out of here before the pigs come looking for me on that trumped up charge of corrupting the morals of a minor.” “Jesus, Rick, don’t you think they’ll come looking for you?” “Nah, not in Alaska, it’s too damn cold for these old boys. Besides, knowing what these small town cops do on their free time, they’d probably get stuck ice fishing or something. I hear alcohol flows pretty easily in these old parts, so I’m heading north. You’re welcome to come along if you want.” Steve was a bit hesitant of this plan that old Rick had worked out, if he did get caught, that would leave Steve in Alaska, thousands of miles from family, alone. Yet, he loved Rick and knew that Rick loved him. Granted, in the nineteen forties homosexual relationships were strongly forbidden and even punishable by jail time, still, Steve suddenly had an image of him and Rick cuddled in an igloo somewhere in the backwoods of an Alaskan island. “When are we leaving?” Steve asked. “First thing in the morning, I just want to tell my mom goodbye and pack a few necessities. Are you sure you want to come along?” Steve lowered his voice to be sure no one else could hear, “I love you Rick and I want to go where you go.” Rick gave a quick peek around before kissing Steve, his kiss was both appreciation for joining him and love for his dear friend. In the morning Rick and Steve headed out in Rick’s old pick up with a case of beer and a box of clothes each. The boys were on the run long before the police even realized Rick was missing. For two months Rick and Steve lived in the ice riddled environment. Then, Rick got a letter from home, “Well, everything is good at home, but there’s one problem here.” “What’s that?” Steve asked. “It seems the draft board is looking for me, Steve, I’ve been drafted.” Of all the things Rick considered about leaving home, he never stopped to think he might be drafted to fight in World War II. Rick kissed Steve goodbye and stood before the draft board in Anchorage, Alaska. Rick was scared, he couldn’t tell if he shook from nerves or cold, but he was shaking a lot. From there Rick was sent to boot camp, where he sent occasional letters home asking his parents to send him odds and ends that he couldn’t afford to purchase. After boot camp Rick was sent straight to Germany where he saw and did things he never spoke of after the war. His return home was joyous for his mother, but he stayed in a steady alcohol induced state for the remainder of his life, never sharing a single thing about his experiences. He took those secrets to his grave.