“Homecoming of a Hero: A Son’s Promise to His Mother”

“Homecoming of a Hero: A Soldier’s Promise to His Mother”

By: Amit Tamang

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The army truck roared through the muddy road, carrying brave men in uniforms.
But in one corner, sitting quietly with his backpack pressed against his chest, was a young soldier. His eyes stared into nothingness. His heart... was already home.

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He remembered her hands — rough from years of cooking, washing, working — but always soft when they touched his face.
Her voice — louder than any commander when she was angry, but softer than any lullaby when she prayed for him.

Before leaving, he had said,
“Don’t cry, Mome. I’ll be back soon.”

But now... three years had passed.

Letters became rare.
Phone calls were short.
And the war... it didn’t wait for anyone.

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One night, he got a call from his village.

His younger sister was crying.

“Bhaiya... Ma isn’t well. She waits every day at the gate. She thinks you’ll return any moment.”

His heart shattered.

He looked up at the sky and whispered,
“Please hold on, Mome. I’m coming.”

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A month later, the uniform was off.
The boots were dusty.
But his soul... was alive again.

He stood at the village gate — the same place she waited every day.

And there she was.

Weak. Pale. But smiling.

“Ma…” he said, dropping to his knees, tears falling like rain.

She touched his face, and whispered,
“My son… My hero… you came back.”