2 days later…

It was letter day at the barracks. The whole barracks was bustling with activity and morale was up as soldiers got their letters and packages from home. At the moment, Spears and Hansen were just strolling through the barracks.

As they walked past Miles' bunk, they glanced inside and saw Miles laughing at a postcard he was reading.

"Hey, look, a smile," exclaimed Hansen, as she barged into the bunk, "Now there's something you don't see everyday." Miles looked up as she entered. Spears followed after her.

"I hope were not intruding," said Hansen, nervously.

Miles shook his head. "You're fine."

"So, what're you reading that's so funny?" asked Spears. Just then, Hansen elbowed him and gave her his 'you've overstepped your boundaries' look.

"Just reading a postcard from my little knucklehead of a brother, Jesse. Here take a look." He handed the postcard to Hansen, who sat down on the cot across from Miles. Spears sat down next to her.

On one side of the postcard was a panoramic view of the Earth as taken from the space shuttle. Then, they turned it over. It read:

Dear Miles,

Wish you were here.

Love, Jesse.

The two burst out laughing.

"Yup," said Miles, "Jesse's a wacko, but I love him, anyway."

Miles reached into a small stack of letters and packages next to him on the cot and picked up a letter from Paris.

"You guys are welcome to stick around if you want. I usually don't read my letters in front of anyone, but I don't see any harm."

"Well, thank you," replied Hansen.

Miles read the return address on the letter, and then held it up to the others.

"This one's from Winnie, Jesse's girlfriend," said Miles.

"So, why is your brother's girlfriend writing to you?" cracked Spears.

"Well, last I heard they were backpacking through Europe together," replied Miles. He opened the letter and read it out loud:

Dear Miles,

I hope you weren't offended by Jesse's postcard. I told him it might have been a little over the top. But he insisted, so I told him if you get mad, he's on his own.

Anyway, Jesse and I have done so much amazing stuff in just a few days. Oh my gosh! Paris is amazing. It's just like I always imagined. Don't worry. I took plenty of pictures. They're in the box that came with this letter.

At this point, Miles paused. He picked up the box from Winnie and opened it. Inside was a stack of pictures and some souvenirs. Miles took out the pictures. The first picture was of Jesse and Winnie, sitting on a park bench and posing for a picture. He showed the picture to Spears and Hansen.

"Wow," remarked Hansen, "your brother's a good-lookin' guy."

"She's pretty cute, too," said Spears, glancing at Winnie.

"How long have they been together?" asked Hansen.

Miles smiled. "Well, somedays it seems like they've been together forever (Miles grinned at his use of subtlety), but they met when Jesse was seventeen and Winnie was fifteen. Now, Jesse's twenty and Winnie's about eighteen. I'm told they've been in Europe all summer, and they'll both be heading to USC in the fall. But they've been talking about backpacking through Europe for a long time."

Miles turned back to the letter and continued reading. He held up each picture as he read about them.

Anyway, as soon as we got off the train from London, we went straight to the Eiffel Tower. We thought about finding a hotel first, but neither of us could wait.

Miles held up a picture of Jesse and Winnie standing in front of the Eiffel Tower.

We didn't take the elevator. We walked right up all 1600 steps. Jesse's right, it's more fun this way. The view from the top is just breathtaking. Paris is such a beautiful city, especially at night when they light up the whole city. I wish I could show you. Oh, wait. I can.

Miles held up a picture of the Paris skyline after dark.

"Wow," gasped Hansen, "It's so pretty."

The next day, Jesse and I visited the Louvre. I insisted. 'Jesse,' I said, 'we can't come to the most beautiful city in the world and not see the most renowned works of art ever conceived by man.' He didn't want to go at first, but once we got there, he was as blown away as I was. To be honest, seeing the Mona Lisa in books is nothing compared to seeing it in person.

Miles held up a picture of Jesse and Winnie standing in front of the Mona Lisa.

Well, I have to go now. Jesse and I are going out tonight. Just remember, we both worry about you. Come home soon…and safe. I hope you like the souvenirs Jesse and I sent you.

Hope to see you soon,

Winnie

Miles put down the letter and reached back into the box. He pulled out a small 57 souvenir replica of the Mona Lisa and a box of chocolates.

"Awesome," said Spears.

Miles smiled. "Spears," he said, opening the box of chocolates, "Go ahead, I know you're gonna ask." Spears took a chocolate from the box and popped it in his mouth.

"Mmmm," he replied, "That's dang good chocolate. Thanks, man."

Miles offered Hansen some chocolate, but she shook her head. Miles took a chocolate and closed the box.

"I'll look at the rest of Winnie's pictures later," he said, reaching for the other letter. "Right now, I want to know how Ma and Pa are doing…"