Letter Nº 1
To Sgt. James Buchanan Barnes
107th Infantry Regiment
New York Army National Guard
England, United Kingdom
Brooklyn, NY
My dearest James,
I know that it’s only been a few days since you left, but it feels like an eternity. I am sorry that I am already writing to you because you told me that I needed to be strong but I just miss you so much. I don’t want to imagine you being out there in the line of fire. I couldn’t bear the thought of you getting injured.
My mother says that soldiers always need support. So, I thought that in this simple letter, I can let you know how much your service is appreciated - not only by me but every American citizen. It might just help you remember the people you love and the freedoms you fight for. I feel a little silly writing to you, you are probably just getting settled and here I am, pesky little me.
Things are quiet around here. Bonnie’s brother Harold has also been called in, he will leave for England in a couple of weeks. Bonnie’s been crying a lot since the news came in. After all, their father died in WWI. I am telling her that it is a noble cause to actively defend your country. Just like you! I mean, you so bravely went out there to fight for what you believe in.
Remember that we went to the Stark Expo the evening before you left? There was an article about it in the ‘Times, and a very cute picture of us. Well, the four of us, you and I and Bonnie with your weird little friend – Steve? He was nothing like you described him to me. In fact, Bonnie was quite upset when he just disappeared on her during the show. I have to tell you that she was not at all attracted to him. He seemed like a nice guy, but he is kind of strange. To be honest, I wouldn’t have asked Bonny to join us if you had told me the truth about him.
I saw him the other day, Steve I mean. Two days ago, coming out of a recruitment center. Apparently he is still trying to enlist. I recall you told me that he - quite desperately - wanted to join the army, too. I am not really seeing it happen, I mean, you know how he looks like, right? Anyway, he must be a very good friend, for how much you seem to look out for him.
Oh well, Bonny said that he could at least have taken her home, as you did with me. It was a shame, though, that you had to leave so early in the morning. I couldn’t really say goodbye to you. I wish I have had the chance to do so, to show you just how much I’d miss you. I know it might just be little naive me but maybe I could have convinced you not to go at all.
I know (well, I hope with all my heart) you will be fine! I remember you said that you have always been the best at everything. At sports, in the classroom? Might have even been a little overachiever? Three times YMCA welterweight boxing champion? Well, you were never one shy to boast. But please, try not to over there!
The days are getting shorter and it’s dawning quite early lately. It embarrasses me quite a bit to tell you this, but I dream about you a lot. I find myself clinging to my prayers for comfort. Every night I pray to God that he will keep HIs hands over you to keep you safe. I pray He will keep you out of harm’s way until we can be together again.
I miss you…
Forever yours, Connie (a drawing of a little heart)