A note from the author: This is kind of an off-shoot of my previous Saving Private Ryan story, 'Now is the Hour'. That one isn't completely necessary to have read before this, but it would help this make a lot more sense haha. The dates are accurate, as I looked up the 1943 calendar, in case you're a history geek like me. I don't expect this to get a lot of traffic, but I just thought they'd be fun to write, and they have been so far!
All grammatical errors and spelling mistakes are intentional to make things feel more "authentic." I do not own anything from Saving Private Ryan. Thank you.
20 January 1943
Camp Forrest, Tullahoma, TN
Dear Sis,
Well, I made it thorough my first week of boot camp in one piece. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but honestly a day's work on the farm takes more out of me than anything here has. So far, at least. It has only been a week, I guess I should probably keep my big mouth shut, huh? Tougher days ahead, I'm sure.
How are things back home? I hope those repairs me and Daddy did on the fireplace and in the attic are holding up alright. I don't want it gettin too cold for y'all, that won't help no one. You and Tommy have to be able to focus on your studies, not your teeth chattering out of your skull. I feel bad Daddy has to take on all that work by himself now. But I guess that couldn't really be helped, could it?
Sorry to cut this so short but if I want to get it in the mail before next week, I only have about 20 minutes till they cut off any outgoing. I love you and miss you always. Give my love to everyone, if you would, please.
Your brother,
Danny
January 26, 1943
Cedar Hill, TN
Dear Danny,
I can't tell you how wonderful it is to hear from you! I have no idea how on earth I'm going to last an entire war without you here if this is how a couple of weeks goes by. Oh, I'm sorry. Don't you listen to me and don't you worry, I'll be just fine. Of the two of us, you're the one with the difficult job. I'm glad to hear it isn't too rough for you, at least for the time being. Hopefully it stays that way, yes?
The house is fine, the farm is fine, and the family is fine. The work you did with Daddy hasn't had any problems, as if there could ever be any doubts about it. I'm positive the two of you could build a bench out of toothpicks and twine that would be strong enough to hold even Mrs. Quincey and all her big fat cats. Really, the house is nice and warm. Only thing is, now my only excuse for distraction from my schoolwork is Tommy running around like the little tornado he is, and Mama doesn't go for that one so much anymore. Something about how I'm old enough to look the other way? I guess I'll have to come up with something new.
Also, I know Daddy's old to us, but he ain't ancient, Daniel. You know how tough he is. Besides, he said he's gonna hire a hand a few days a week if he decides he needs more help than what Tommy and I can give after school.
I feel as if I've sent you a novel, Danny, I'm sorry. Don't want you to grow bored of me, do I? Can't wait to hear from you again. I miss you so much.
All my love,
Bonnie
