Lost Son

That 70's Show

Red couldn't believe the words coming out of Sergeant Locklear's mouth. He heard them, but his mind refuse to comprehend. Beside him Kitty was crying. Laurie stood indifferently amongst the crowd, but he could tell her tears were not faked this time.

When Eric had left they thought he just left and moved to Canada. But in reality he joined the Marine Corps and had been a field communications officer. He had just made Gunnery Sergeant when he was killed in a bombing outside an embassy.

Behind Eric's friends stood in silence as the Marines carried Eric to his finally resting place. Those brats had continued to hang out in his basement even after Eric had left. Thinking back he wondered if it was a could idea, especially after Donna badmouth Eric to everyone for walking out on her.

It had been a mental slap in the face when they learned the truth.

They all thought he just ran off like a coward.

But no.

Eric had heard rumors that made him suspicious about his fiancée. When he went to confront her about them, he caught Donna cheating on him with Kelso's brother. Heartbroken, he pawned some of his belongings and headed down to Madison where he would enlist in the Corps.

Red always thought his son was a weak whiny smart mouth.

In reality his son had been a damn fine Marine once giving some motivation, graduated top in his platoon and overall best marksman. He saw Eric's skills in long range shooting during their hunting trip. But it hadn't been until later he realized that Eric had been using the rifle with a broken scope.

Looking to his left he felt his heart drop a little.

On his left was Eric's wife Natalya, she had been a school teacher that Eric had met while overseas. The two had only married three years ago. In Natalya's arms was their two year old son Reginald, whom Eric named after him. She was hugging the small boy who was confused why his Daddy's friends were burying him.

He felt worse knowing that Eric would never see his soon to be born daughter either.

As Taps began to play Red wearily saluted along the other military guests.

With all he did to push Eric into being a man. He wondered if it was all worth it.