12. Letter
Letter
Jackson,
Me, hilarious? Let’s be totally honest—I’m really not.
I’ve been told I’m the boring one of the group, the ultimate stickler for the rules.
What people back home don’t realize is that where I am right now isn’t a game.
Real people die here every single day, and it is always at the forefront of my mind that it could be us next. Does that make me sound crazy?
It’s like you read my mind, though. I don’t think I’ve been one hundred percent honest with another human being in my entire life. So, I’ll take your deal. You stay real with me, and I’ll give you the exact same. One hundred percent, no less.
And Jackson? Thank you for telling me the truth about yourself.
I think it’s a great thing that you felt you could share that with me, and honestly, it makes me feel even closer to you.
I’ve been sitting here in the dark, re-reading your letters and trying to imagine the man behind the words.
If you’re even half as handsome as your personality suggests, I’m in serious trouble.
Maybe one day I’ll get to see those “big moments” you mentioned, and maybe I’ll be the one sharing that king-size table with you.
My parents were always incredibly distant.
We were never a fun, typical family. I honestly can’t remember ever going on a family holiday or celebrating a special occasion with them.
They completely disowned me the day I signed up to enlist, and I haven’t heard a single word from them since.
I’d say I was surprised, but that would be a lie.
I sometimes wonder why they even had me.
It was always about them, and I was just an afterthought.
That lonely feeling you talked about is very real for me, too. I think it’s the main reason I keep re-enlisting. This place, this unit, is my family. It’s what I live for and what I love. I could never see myself leaving Brody here to fight without me. We do this together.
Also, your ‘fine old age of 26’ has nothing on me being 29!
You say you’re lonely, but you’re surrounded by people constantly.
What’s stopping you from finding the right person to share your life with?
Not that I’m encouraging you to go out and find that perfect person, I quite like having you all to myself!
Splash
PS — Thank you for the cookies. I had to share a pack with Brody; he clearly knows exactly how to wear me down. Lucky for him, he’s my best friend—I wouldn’t share them with anyone else. Well… maybe you.