Dearest R

I hope reading this letter makes you as happy as the first one did. I have to admit I was the same when I saw an envelope from you today. Pauly said my smile was embarrassing. He also said to say hello, and he hopes you’re keeping well over there.

Remember how that guy at Woodstock took our photograph with Kat, just before you left. He works for her college newspaper. Anyway, Kat gave me them the other day. I thought you might like to keep one, so I’ve added it in the envelope. Keep it close to your heart. It’s where I keep yours.

I love that photo. It really captured the moment, and you’re just as handsome as I remember. I have to admit, seeing you in that picture took my breath away, and my heart aches knowing you’re half a world away.

I don’t know what else you want to know about me, so I’ll start with some random facts. I have an older sister, Marie. She’s married now and living in West Hartford. My favorite color is green. I like strawberry shakes over chocolate, and my favorite time of year is spring. When I was growing up, I had a dog named Polly, and my dad always said the dog was mad because we named it after a parrot. My favorite smell is the coming of rain, and I hate green beans. Tell me all the random facts about you.

I hope you’re keeping safe. I watch the news every chance I get, sometimes two or three times a night. The newspapers don’t cover much more than the politics, but I still scan the grainy photographs for your face. The news replays old footage, but I still watch it. And every time they pause to read the names of the fallen, I don’t breathe until the end, and then I feel guilty for being thankful it was someone else instead of you.

Everyone’s planning Halloween parties, and I’ve enrolled in additional classes in the spring quarter. So I’m keeping busy, but I think of you all the time. You wondered if I thought of you… rest assured, I do. When you lie down on the ground tonight, or wherever it is you manage to sleep, know someone on the other side of the planet is sending up prayers for you. I’ve never been very religious, but I figure it can’t hurt.

Kat and Lyman are heading to Washington DC next month to take part in some big anti-war protests. Of course they wanted me to go with them. And maybe before I met you I might have gone, but it’s different now, because of you. I’m not for the war, and I wish it was all over, but I couldn’t in my right mind protest against something that involves you. Kat said she understood, but Lyman was mad. I’m not bothered though. I’m a live-and-let-live kind of person, and I’d rather him be mad at me than feel like I’m doing you a disservice.

Am I allowed to send packages to you? Or just letters? I was thinking you might like some candy or something that tastes like home. Is there anything you miss the most? Let me know and I’ll get it to you somehow.

I hope you like the photo, and I hope you’re allowed to keep it.

Please keep your head down, and remember, no stopping bullets with your body. Say hello to your buddy Karel for me. And for what it’s worth, I’m glad you have a friend over there.

I eagerly await your reply,

Yours,

G