Disclaimers: They aren't mine, sadly enough. Some are but your figure out who's who.
Rating: G for now
Timeline: Set about 2 weeks after Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen
Dr. Charles Emerson Winchester III made the long and weary journey back from the Korean War on military transport. Everything, it seemed, was made worse by the experience with the Chinese POWs had only made things worse. He trudged off the plane and couldn't resist the smile that spread across his face when he saw his beloved sister Honoria wave fiercely. As soon as he was within reach, he pulled her into a bone crushing hug.
"Oh C-Charles, welcome home," she cried, "Mother and father are at home, preparing for the party" she explained as he picked up his bag.
"Honoria, the only thing I want to do is take a long, hot bath and sleep." Truth be told, he hadn't slept well since before the 4th of July but he would never admit that to his sister.
"Well you'll have to stay for a b-bit, but I'm sure people will understand if you retire early," she acquiesced, "p-people are SO excited for your return!"
He only wished he could feel the same.
The party had been a tremendous success but had now wound down and found Charles sitting by himself on the terrace sipping brandy. His friends and colleagues had welcomed him back but now he had the silence he craved to brood with this thoughts.
'How unchanged they all were', he thought to himself, 'I don't think I'll ever be the same again.'
As he sat sipping, Mrs. Collins, the housekeeper came out onto the terrace. She was a lady of 50 years old and had been with the Winchester family since Charles was a small boy. She was, at times, more like a mother than his own had been.
"Mr. Charles, Miss O'Brien was here last week. She left this letter with me for you," she said, handing him the envelope with a knowing look. She was in fact, the only person who knew what Miss Charlotte O'Brien was to Charles.
"Charlotte? He questioned.
"Yes sir, and if I may say, she didn't look well"
"Thank you Mrs. Collins," he replied as she left him with his brandy and letter.
He gently opened the letter with his finger tip and started to read the familiar script.
"Dear Lord" was all that could be heard as the letter floated to the ground.