WWI - Letters

[herr_bookman]

I wrote letters every day that I could afford to buy paper.

---

Dear Rae:

I miss you horribly. I know it's not fair to write a letter you'll never read, but I like to pretend. Boot camp is fine. I can't fire a gun to save my life, but our running sessions have helped with PT. Someone named Dylan might be my friend. I don't know what to think about him, but it only makes me miss you more.

I miss the smell of cinnamon in your hair. And the way you'd loop an arm around my shoulders. And your ginger-lime tea. I wish I'd taken the time to say goodbye to you properly. I've stopped looking for my door. I know it's only been three months, but it feels like an eternity has passed.

Well. That's all I had to say.

Love, A.

---

Dear Oswin:

I miss you something awful. Boot camp is fine. I had to smash the spider bot you gave me, because it would be too confusing for people in my time to find it. Don't worry - I gave it a proper burial.

I'd write you something in French, but my higher ups might confiscate it. There's been a distinct lack of Carmen in my life lately. I haven't had much time to practice my croissants but I can probably still make them better than you.

Just kidding.

Love, A.

---

Dear Katya:

I miss you. Boot camp was difficult at first. I'm still unable to do as many pushups as I want. Someone here named Dylan thinks he’s my friend. He's an ill-bred malt-worm but you'd probably like him, and he's from Goldkrone, too.

They call me Krueger here. Isn't that funny? They gave me a last name when I arrived because I didn't have one.

I've stopped looking for my door. I know it's only been a few months and I should probably hold out hope, but it just doesn't feel like the bar is taking me back.

I hope you're well and drinking a lot of vodka.

-A.

---

Dear Jay,

I miss you terribly. Sometimes I pretend you're there, wrapping your arms around me. Other times it's easier not to pretend.

Boot camp is okay. I've settled in all right. It was rough at first but I've finally learned how to shoot. I bet I could give you a decent chase in tag now that I can really run.

I'm not looking for my door anymore. I'm sorry.

-A.

---

Dear Auxin,

I hope you're well and that your father has accepted you as a member of the Watch. I hope that your brother Algae is safe and hasn't gotten himself caught up in the war with Klatch. War is no fun to be stuck in.

Boot camp is fun sometimes. I have a friend here who reminds me of you a little, in that he likes to work out.

I don't think I'll find my door anymore. I'm beyond hoping now.

-A.

---

Dear Mütterchen,

How are you? How is Clara? I miss you all greatly and hope you are well. I want to send my profound thanks for the cookies you baked and the sweater you knitted for me.

I am sorry to hear that father is ill. I hope he can still play the piano properly when he recovers. I managed to get over my cold--and just in time, too.

We're going to combat soon. I cannot tell you where, and for that I am sorry. I'm scared but hoping for the best.

Thank you again for sending the soap. It really helps.

Love, Autor

---

And, with the exception of my mother's, I burned them every night.