I do not own Stand By Me. Unless you're interested in selling it to me.

Chris Chambers waited for the mailman on the front porch everyday. He didn't hear from Eyeball much but when he did he liked getting the letter directly from the mailman; it made it easier to imagine Eyeball writing the letter and sending it back home. Today was no exception; he sat on the front porch filling out yet another college application, when the mailman came up the walkway.

"Hey kid! Got a letter from overseas."

"Thank you," Chris said, taking the letter.

"How is he?" The man asked, referring to Eyeball Chambers, who was fighting in Vietnam.

"Last I heard he was doing alright."

"That's good, never thought any of you Chambers kids would turn out alright. I was shocked when he, Charlie, and Billy turned their lives around. Though I suppose I was more surprised about that Merrill boy."

Ace Merrill, once a wild, reckless delinquent, fixed up his life, right after almost killing Chris six years ago. He worked for a while as a mechanic in town before being drafted, around the same time as Eyeball, a couple of months ago.

"Yeah, I guess a few good things came out of Ray Brower dying."

"A few miracles, you mean." The man noticed what Chris had been working on. "Hey is that a college application?"

"Yeah, I've been applying everywhere I can think of, I'm trying for a scholarship."

"Well son, I hope you get out of here, you'd be the first in your family to go to college wouldn't you."

"I would, but it won't happen."

"Why not?"

"I'm turning eighteen in a few days. Hell of a lot more likely I get drafted then I get a scholarship."

"Don't think like that, take my advice, stressing out about it just makes you more worried about it."

"Well you don't have to worry about it! It's easy for you!"

"It's never easy to watch young people go off to war. I lost two brothers to World War II, one died and one went crazy. You know all this though, you've known my nephew your whole life."

"I'm sorry. I forgot you were Teddy's uncle."

"I've got to get back to work but listen kid, everyone in this town saw you as exactly like Frank and your dad. You and Eyeball, you proved everyone wrong."

"Thank you, I tell Eyeball you said that."

"Please do, tell him thanks for fighting for the country even though he don't believe the in this war and didn't really want to fight."

"Thank you, I'll tell him."

Chris sat on the porch and carefully opened the envelope.

Dear Chris,

How are you buddy? Happy birthday! I can't believe you'll be eighteen, or maybe even older then that, when I get back to town. I wish I could saw I'm happy you're eighteen but I really can't nowadays.

How's the whole college thing going? I will I could be there to see the first Chambers apply to college! Tell anywhere that doesn't let you in that Eyeball Chambers will go after them.

How's Teddy/Gordie/Vern?

How is Marilyn? God I can't believe mom had a baby 12 years after you were born. But I heard they weren't married (aka teenagers) when she got pregnant with Frank. How is Marilyn taking mom's death and my being away?

How is dad? Still drinking? Hope he doesn't get in the way too much. Good luck with the scholarship thing! And don't get drafted.

You're the best brother ever. Sorry this letter was so short.

Eyeball (Richard)