The Letters

Letters between lovers during a war

Mary,

As I sit here writing this letter to you. I can hear the explosions across the gorge. I know you do not hear much at home about the terrors over, but know that I am doing well. I see your face when I sleep at night. I lay awake thinking about coming home to you. I hope all is well back home. 

Duncan

Dear Duncan,

All is well here at home, your brother and his wife have finished moving into the house. It's hard waiting for the news on the tv about what is happening over there. I hope you are keeping strong and eating well. Patricia has been keeping me busy with making jams and preserves in case we are to expect anything. I miss you.

Love,                                        Mary

Mary,

You may have already learned from the telegram, that I have been slightly wounded. A bomb went off near where I was stationed and some shrapnel hit my left shoulder, down my arm, but did not do much damage. I can still move the arm. Another piece hit my lower back. All pieces have been removed. I am in the general hospital. Don’t worry, I should be up and walking around soon. I am enjoying the fresh air and water. I am enjoying the soft sheets on the beds. I do not wish to return back there but I am needed. Don’t worry.

Duncan

Dear Duncan,

I am beginning to worry about you. Please be safe and come home to me safely. 

Love,                                        Mary

Dear Duncan,

England has been attacked. All over the city, we are being bombed. We are safe, not a couple of bandages and some sleep won’t fix. Donald pushed Patricia and me into the cellar. It was days since I have seen the blue sky. Donald found a car and we drove to your Aunt Carol’s house. She wasn’t there when we arrived, but it is on the far outskirts of England.  The jams and preserves serve nicely for food. 

Duncan, I am scared, nobody will pick up their phones. A few families have stopped on the road and we have helped them. It is getting busy here treating the others. The children actually have smiles on their faces instead of tears. There is music from what we can gather and string along. There isn’t much food, but we will make due. Come home to me and to our little one. I hope he will come when you are home. 

Love,                                        Mary

Duncan, 

It has been a while since I have read your words. Are you still getting my letters? When are you coming home? 

There is nothing to worry about because it is safe here and the ocean is safe and very beautiful. 

Love,                                        Mary

Mary,

I promise. I’m coming home. I love you.

Duncan

(A letter that was never sent.)

Mary, 

 The days are getting longer and the nights shorter. The smoke nearly covers the sky and its hard to breathe. Fires are spreading from the fallen planes from the sky. I can hear the men behind me as the bullets ricochet from their helmets.

 I hear the shots popping without the night. The screams and shouts of the men fighting during the day. Sometimes I wake up in cold sweats, feeling death around the corner.

All through the nights all I hear are the bullets:

“Tat-tat-tat. Tat-tat-tat. Tat-tat-tat.”

Duncan                                        

Reviews

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

Amazing I’m glad I read this this morning
This is a wonderful tribute to soldiers servicemen and women everywhere in all ages of our time

[Bridget McJane]

Thank you. A tribute was what I was trying to get at.
Thank you for your comment

[emmajoy]

Why oh why has nobody reviewed this story! Have just read it without a pause, read it slowly, read it aloud. And then, could hear the echoes.

The exchange of letters slowly, surely showed the couple's closeness. Seconds later, the loving concern during an obviously stressful situation grew. Other characters were introduced, awareness of fiercer trouble was made. Subtly and quite frugally you added suspense yet, a distinct display of love and growing doubts.. and finally,..

These words could have come from people you know.. saw faces, heard tremors as the story was told. If that's not the case, you've nonetheless suggested validity.. and it's really touched me. Thank you. Bridget

[Bridget McJane]

This is a wonderful review. I was touched by how you read the story. I am glad you liked it. Thank you.