This will be a quick letter. I’m getting ready to go to the movies with Pam. I’m kind of excited that summer’s almost over and school’s starting. I mean, summer’s been great and all, but I miss you guys so much. It’s weird not having Cade around to annoy me, and it’s even weirder not having you here. It seems like a lifetime ago since I’ve seen you, Colton.
I’m taking some really interesting classes this semester, and I’m hoping to get more involved in some clubs. But mostly, I’m just hoping time flies by so you both can come home.
How’s everything going? Are you still hating the early mornings? Is Cade still complaining about everything? Lol!
Seriously though, please be careful, both of you. I worry about you guys more than I probably let on. Just promise me you’ll both be safe, okay?
I want to hear about everything, even the boring stuff.
I hope you’re doing okay. Be safe, and write back soon.
Always Your Firefly
September (Ember’s Junior Year of High School)
Firefly,
It’s good to hear you’re doing well and looking forward to school (which you’ll have already started by the time you get this letter). I know you’ll do great. You always were the smart one.
Things here are… intense. The days are long, and it’s definitely a lot different than anything I’ve ever experienced. But I’m learning a lot, and I’m trying to make the best of it. Cade’s doing alright. He still complains, but he’s holding up.
I miss home. I miss you. I think about those porch swing talks we had. They were some of the best times.
Don’t worry about me too much. Just focus on school and have fun. I’ll write when I can.
Your Soldier
September (Ember’s Senior Year of High School)
Firefly,
It’s been a long year. I’m getting sent somewhere else soon. I can’t say where yet, but I’ll let you know when I can.
The days here are long and hard, nothing like I imagined. My days are brutal. They start at 4 a.m. and by 8 p.m. I’m ready for bed. As soon as my head hits the pillow I’m out.
I miss the quiet of our town, and most of all, I miss you.
I think about you a lot, Ember. I miss your laugh, the way your eyes sparkle when you’re riding your horse, the way you always had some smart remark to make. I hope you’re having fun, but remember not too much. This is your last year, enjoy it.
Cade’s doing alright. Still a pain in my ass, lol.
Write back soon.
Your Soldier
October (Ember’s Senior Year of High School)
Hey Soldier,
It sounds awful! I can’t imagine getting up that early. I miss you too. So much it hurts, Colton. The house is so quiet without you and Cade. Garrett and Owen are trying to fill the void, but it’s not the same. It feels… empty sometimes.
High school is… well, high school. I’m trying to have fun, like you said. But I really think senior year is going to be good! Last weekend was the notorious field party to kick off Fall. It was loud and crowded, but I danced, and maybe had too much to drink. It made me think of you and how you probably have beautiful women throwing themselves at you. Do you, Colton? Are there a lot of women in your unit?
Never mind. Don’t answer that. I remember your high school days. It’s none of my business, and I really, truly don’t want to know. My stomach just twists thinking about it.
I worry about you both constantly. Every single day. Please, please be careful. That’s all I really care about.
Write back soon.
