* * *

To whom it may concern,

My name is Tommy Anderson, and I’m eight years old. I’m in third grade, and my teacher, Miss Gunner, is making the whole class write letters to soldiers.

I like riddles, do you?

This one always makes me laugh:

What currency do they use in space?

My mom thinks it’s funny, too. She has a nice laugh.

Gotta go do my homework now!

Your friend, Tommy

I couldn’t help my chuckle as I read the boy’s letter. I’ve been in the Navy for fifteen years, and I think this is the best letter I’ve ever received. My family writes me every once in a while, but this is different. I have a real chance to connect with someone who might need me.

After being in this hell hole for so many years and feeling like it’s getting worse rather than better, I like the idea of starting fresh once my tour is over in six months.

* * *

“I hate you!” I’m screaming at my mom again because my dad ditched me. I don’t hate her; I know she does the best she can. I just wish my dad were here.

“Tomas Gregory Anderson.” Her voice is quiet, and I can tell she’s sad. I hate making Mom sad. Sometimes, I can’t control my temper, though, and she doesn’t understand that. “What is going through your mind when you do these things, baby?”

I’m so angry I scream again. Tears are rolling down my cheeks. I don’t know how to make her understand that I need my dad. “Cassie threw that stupid pencil first. She deserved it!”

“Miss G. said– “

“Miss G. is stupid! You’re stupid! Cassie’s stupid!” I see the tears pool in Mom’s eyes at my words, and mine stream down my face harder.

Stomping my feet, I run up to my stupid room and slam the door shut. Flopping down on my bed, I scream into my pillow like I’ve seen Mom do so many times before.

I just want my dad.

* * *

I ache for my little boy’s pain. I hate that he feels abandoned by my ex, Jack. We were high school sweethearts, had our entire lives planned. We thought we were ready to be intimate at sixteen.

We were so wrong.

I don’t regret Tommy for anything. He’s the best thing in my life. Jack, however, is an asshole I could do without. As soon as he found out I was pregnant, he’d run. His parents handed me money for an abortion, and I never heard from any of them again.

About a year after my son was born, Jack showed up. He wanted to be part of Tommy’s life. At eighteen, I was skeptical and naïve and scared that I was failing as a mother. So, I let Jack in, and I’ve regretted it ever since. He pops in and out whenever he likes. Barely remembers to call on birthdays or Christmas or any other important moment in our child’s life.

Like the reason Tommy is currently acting out now. He had turned eight over the summer, and Jack missed it—big surprise there—but he promised to make up for it. Swearing to his son that they would go fishing next time he was in town.

That was two weeks ago.

Jack called, and they talked and made plans. Tommy was up at five that Saturday morning, sitting on the front step waiting for his dad to show.

He sat there all day long.

I cried harder that night than any other before it.

I think Tommy and I are at the point where I need to make the decision of whether or not to cut Jack out completely. At this point, he’s only doing more harm than good, and I abhor seeing my baby so upset. He needs a real man in his life.

Walking up the stairs with a letter from his soldier in my hand, I knock softly on the door. “Your letter’s here, sweetheart.” After waiting with no answer, I slip the envelope under his door and walk away. My heart as heavy as it’s ever been.

* * *

Once my mom’s clear of the door, I scramble to the floor and fetch the letter from him. I don’t even know his name yet, and already he’s more dependable than my dad.

I rip open the letter and pull the paper out.

Hey kid,

Thanks for writing me. It’s always nice to know other people think about us over here. My name is Lieutenant Gage Drapper. I’m thirty-five years old, and I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. I like to fish, hunt, and play paintball with my nephews. Their mom hates that.

You’re a riddler, huh? I’ll bite, though I admit I ain’t so great at them.

Is this your answer…

Milk duds?

Why was the watermelon sad?

One of my privates told me that. I’m scratching my head.

So, your mom, she likes your riddles? What about the rest of your family? What else do you like to do for fun?

See you on the flip side, Riddler,

Gage

“Wow!” Gage sounds really cool! And he likes fishing! I wonder if he’d have time to take me with him. Maybe he could bring my mom out, too!

Then I’d have a dad, and she wouldn’t look so lonely.