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October 3rd
ThunderUnderline,
I don’t know how a letter meant for you was delivered to me, but I’ve included it in the envelope. Our APO numbers must be similar.
TobySmh
October 12th
TobySmh,
Thanks for the letter, it was from my mother. Similar APOs, maybe we’re stationed close to each other. I’m in the 6th Armored Division up in France. It feels like it never stops raining, and all this damn mud is hell on the tanks. Sure hope it’s drier where you are.
Thunder
December 13th
Thunder,
I can’t believe your captain said that! No wonder his data slapped him, I would too if some guy insinuated I was easy. Good for her. Not much to tell on my side of things. My squad is as annoying as ever. How we got stuck with so many prissy army brats I’ll never know. All they do is complain about how they’re tired, or dirty, or hungry, never mind that people are dying in other squads. We’ve gotten lucky so far, but these kids are in for a rude awakening once they get their first real look at combat.
We’ve been getting closer to enemy lines but still not close enough to bring out the tanks. That hasn’t stopped the enemy from shooting at us, unfortunately. They’re choosing to fire at night and the noise has been keeping everyone awake. My commander sent me back to base a few days ago after I fell asleep on watch. Judging by his eyebags I think he wanted to go with me. But enough of this war talk. I hope this letter reaches you by Christmas, and I hope you waited to open your gift. I’m sure it was killing you. It’s small, but I hope it will help keep you warm out there on the lines.
Merry Christmas,
Toby
December 15th
Toby,
I haven’t gotten your letter yet but it’s getting close to Christmas and I wanted to send mine out in time. It certainly snows here more than it does back home. There must be a foot of snow on the ground with more coming down every day. Makes it nearly impossible to see who we’re fighting, so my squad is pretty stuck. I think some of them are starting to go stir crazy without anyone to shoot at but I can’t say I’m not bothered, either. At least war keeps you busy. I bet your seventh division brats are complaining again, they always find something. But who cares, it’s Christmas! I got you something during our last excursion into town, hope you like it. I stuffed my candy rations in there too, so you better not share.
Merry Christmas,
Thunder
February 23rd
Thunder,
Don’t you ever scare me like that again! A one line letter saying you got shot? You’re lucky I like you. I better get a response with an explanation ASAP. I hope your bullet wound hurts like hell, you ass. Now rest up, listen to the doctors, and let me know if you’re being sent home.
The fighting here has been awful. A lot of gunfire from both sides that wastes ammo more than anything, but we’ve had a few losses. One of the army brats was shot and discharged home, and I think it finally hit the others. On top of that we’ve got some trench foot going around that’s been laying people up. I don’t know if they’re going to send us any more people, maybe from another unit. If we’re lucky our people will recover quickly so we don’t need them. How’s your mother doing? Do I need to send her a letter explaining her son got shot?
Take it easy,
Toby
March 1st
Toby,
It was just a graze, nothing to worry about. I’ve already been cleared to go back to duty. Sorry for the letter, the pain meds were making you loopy but I knew you would worry if I didn’t reply. You and my mom would get along great, which is why I can never let the two of you meet, you’d gang up on me. She wants to meet you, have I told you this? She said that anyone that can tolerate me for so long is good in her books. Personally, my dad and I think she just wants to feed you. My dad says he misses her baking but with the sugar rations what can you do. I’ve noticed you don’t talk about your family. You can if you want. Or don’t. It’s up to you. Mine’s always saying I need to think about settling down, finding the right girl, but that’s not really what I want. What do you want, Toby?
Thunder
March 9th
Thunder,
I’m relieved to hear it was just a graze and you’re not being discharged. Do you know how long overseas letters would take to arrive? Ages. I would tell you to be more careful, but given the circumstances I think you’re doing the best you can. I didn’t realize you told your family about me. Maybe when this war ends I’ll have to come visit you. My parents aren't terrible, but they’re not great either. They had a kid just to have a kid. They were always pretty hands off but I had what I needed.
Before now, there wasn’t a lot that I wanted. A job, a house, maybe getting married someday. But now… I want to see your face. I want to know what you sound like. I want you, Thunder. If I’m overstepping or if I’ve read the situation wrong tell me and I’ll never write to you ever again, but if I haven’t tell me. Please.
Toby
March 18th
Toby,
I don’t care that we’ve never met in person. I want to get to know you more, I want to be with you. If we weren’t separated by a war I would be there with you. Maybe we’ll get lucky and our squads will be stationed close together, or if we have to we’ll just wait for the war to end. You’re going to survive this war, because I’m kicking your ass if you don’t.
Yours,
Thunder
April 20th
Thunder,
It looks like I’ve taken all the action from you. While your squad has retreating enemies our have been pushing forward more. As the days get warmer and the weather clear we can see more troops and tanks in the distance. There’s news of nearby squads getting attacked by stealth groups, so we’re being sent reinforcements to help with the potential onslaught. You better not be among them. It’s too warm now to wear the scarf you sent me but I’ve been keeping it on my bed. The others think it’s funny leaving it there but they’re just mad they don’t have any sweethearts of their own. We’re like Romeo and Juliet without the death. Stay safe.
Yours,
Toby
April 29th
Toby,
You need to stay safe more than I do. My squad hasn’t had a single death in three weeks but it sounds like you’re preparing for an ambush. Stay alert and watch your six, you’re not allowed to die yet. The rain is finally starting to let up and flowers are starting to grow. They make me think of you. Ugh, you’re turning me into a romantic. The hat you gave me is sitting with the photograph of my parents next to my cot. I’ve been getting some jokes too, but I can just glare at them and they stop. You should try it, get yourself an intimidating reputation.
Your sweetheart,
Thunder
May 16th
Toby,
I haven’t gotten a letter from you in a few weeks, is everything okay there? I know it could’ve been lost in the mail or delivered somewhere else, but I’m still worried. Write to me when you can.
Yours,
Thunder
June 5th
Toby,
I’ve been discharged and am being sent home. They say the war is over, that peace talks were finally a success and a truce was made. You’re dead, aren’t you. Your squad was attacked just like you said they would be and you died in the fight. I hope it was quick. I hope it didn’t hurt too much. I never got to tell you but I hope you know how much I love you. I miss you.
Yours,
Thunder
The airplane ride was uneventful, for all that Thunder didn’t love flying. It was worth it, though, he thought as they grabbed their suitcase from baggage claim and hailed a taxi to his hotel. The next day dawned bright and early, and Thunder couldn’t help but think of Toby as she got breakfast from a nearby cafe. Couldn’t help but think of all the things they had never been able to do together.
The cemetery was quiet this early in the morning. A soft breeze ruffled her coat as Thunder walked amongst the headstones. The war was over but it felt like a cheap win without Toby there with him. It was selfish, yes, but Thunder couldn’t really bring himself to care.
The loss still stung as sharply as it had all those months ago, and they knew as she sent that letter that Toby was dead. He had never stopped writing letters even as he had stopped sending them, and Thunder pulled one out of their pocket now to lay it on Toby’s grave.
Toby,
I don’t know if you see the letters I write, but I hope you do. I miss you. I love you. If there’s an afterlife you bet your ass I’ll see you in it one day.
Yours, always yours,
Thunder