Dear Private Smith

A Story by Leroy_Writes

A young man wakes up in a strange place.

The young man sat up as he opened his eyes. Confused, he looked around but could not recognize where he was. His hands felt concrete but his eyes could not focus on his surroundings. And then the concrete felt warmer inexplicably. A memory flashed across his mind and he suddenly felt for his chest. Nothing. He could have sworn that there was intense pain just moments prior but he felt none.

Again he looked around. He stood up and saw street lights through the haze and although they burned brightly the area was not very well well lit. Looking up, he attempted to make out the location of the sun to perhaps determine what time it was but failed to find it. No clouds obscured the sky yet it was hazy just the same. Off to the right the young man saw some semblance of a gate leading to a very long driveway. Once more he felt his chest because he really thought there was pain but still nothing. He discovered an irregularity in his breast pocket and found a letter inside. It was addressed to him:

Dear Private Smith,

Thank you for all you've done. For all you've sacrificed. Because of you, my grand children will know peace. Because of you, they will grow up safe. Because of you and your brothers, we will be free from tyranny and rebuild a new, better world for everyone. Not many people understand what you've done for us but I do. I will help them know and I will be sure they remember you. And though you now lay beneath the crosses row on row, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for carrying the torch.

Sincerely,

Suzanna McNeil

Private Smith let the letter drop from his hands. He shook his head in disbelief. It must have been a joke that someone was playing on him. He tried to call out but his voice failed him. He was able to move but could only manage a slow walk.

“Welcome son,” a deep, strong voice called from the gates. “I didn't expect to see you so soon.”

“W-who are you?” Private Smith asked, finding his voice at last.

“The boss calls me Peter but please, call me Pete.”