Snow #2: BJ
Father Mulcahy walked through the ward, the stack of letters in his hand drawing eyes like a magnet. "O'Reilly," he called, handing Radar an envelope. "Klinger, Hunnicutt."
BJ took the envelope gently, and pushed it carefully into a pocket. He would read it after his rounds were over.
He pushed open the door of the ward, holding his army-issue jacket over his head. Outside, cold rain was sheeting down from the heavy grey sky. The wind was loud, a violent wailing that buffeted BJ mercilessly as he fought the short way to the Swamp. BJ wondered if maybe it wasn't the wind, but the voices of the boys they had lost here.
The letter was crumpled but dry when he finally opened it. He waited for a moment, savoring the sight of the creased white paper, then unfolded the message from home.
Dear BJ,
Erin saw her first snowfall yesterday! It was amazing for our climate. The branches of all the trees and the roofs of all the houses are covered in snow; it looks like a postcard came to life. Erin and I built a snowman in the yard. When we finished, she wanted to put a stethoscope on it. So I brought an old one of yours out, and she hung it around the snowman's neck, and said it was Daddy. Mrs. Hanna, who lives next door, took this picture for us. Erin has grown so big!
We miss you, BJ. Erin says to tell you she loves you. Everything is going well for us here. Is there anything I can send you? Do you need winter clothes?
Christmas is still a month and a half away, but Erin already wants to get a Christmas tree. She is very excited about decorating it, so we made paper decorations today.
Do you remember our first Christmas together? Up north, when the trees were so beautiful? That's almost what it looks like today. But without you, I can't seem to see it the same way. You told me it was like the world was a cake, and the snow was frosting. And then you bit a tree branch. Do you remember?
I miss you BJ. I love you more than anything. Stay safe.
Love forever,
Peg
BJ put the letter down. Snow. His little baby had seen snow for the first time. He could just see her, dancing, as the soft white flakes drifted down, trying to catch one on her tongue.
His eyes prickled. What he would give to be there, now. But he blinked back the tears. You didn't cry in Korea.