Letters From War

Author: aynat
Summary: Rory finds some old letters she'd kept hidden... and tries to come to terms with the fact that they stopped. Abruptly.
Spoilers: From beginning to end.
Disclaimer: Nope, not mine... just trying to keep my head held high now that it's all over.
Author's Note: This story does not reflect my views of the war in either Iraq or Afghanistan. I tried to keep this story as unbiased from my views as possible and tried to keep to what the characters would be feeling. Please do not flame me for what you believe my views are because of this story.


Rory tried to enjoy the conversation that was going on around her but her mind stayed with the letters she'd just stuffed back into a drawer. She knew she was due for another letter soon, there seemed to be on every couple weeks. She tried to ignore how excited she was at recieving a letter again, but couldn't. He was like a friend no one knew she had, he was there for her when she needed him. Even when she didn't. She smiled as she thought about the letter she recieved after she'd finally written him back.

Rory!

I was sure when I saw that envelope from you that it was all over and I'd have to resort to writing a journal or something. I never imagined you'd write back just to write me, and keep communication open. I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate that.

It's hard over here, harder than I could have imagined. It's hot, and working everyday is rough. Never thought I would appreciate weekends so much. It's hard seeing the locals here in such rough conditions, but for the most part they make the best of it. It's remarkable to see really.

I'm trying so hard to keep my letters to you positive, but I feel depressed. Maybe it's just the heat, maybe it's this place, or maybe I'm just homesick. I don't really know. But I hate feeling like this. Please write me back, I don't remember the last time I smiled like that.

All my best,
Tristan


Rory's thoughts were brought back to the present when she noticed everyones eyes on her. Looking up she realized she'd missed some vital part of the conversation. "Sorry, what?" she asked as thoughts of that letter faded from her mind.

"Are you ok?" Lane asked. Everyone looked worried, like she'd just told them she'd seen a ghost.

"Fine," Rory said and faked a yawn, "just a little tired."

"It is late," Sookie agreed as she grabbed her purse and stood up. "I should be getting home."

Lorelai just nodded as she watched her daughter, a worried look still on her face. "I'll see you tomorrow," Sookie added as she pushed Lane towards the door. After they both said goodbye again they were gone, leaving Rory with only her mother.

"You're not alright," Lorelai insisted. "Something is on your mind, spill."

"Just work stuff," Rory lied, "nothing important, I swear." As Lorelai's gaze followed her Rory slowly stood, stretched and headed towards her bedroom. "I'm going to lay down now, I'll see you in the morning."

"Wait," Lorelai said as she grabbed something from the nearby desk. "I almost forgot, a letter came for you the other day. I figured there was no use in forwarding it..." Rory didn't hear the rest of what her mother said as she saw her name written in Tristan's messy writing. She knew she'd been due for a letter. Smiling she thanked her mom and headed to her bedroom.

As Lorelai watched her daughter walk away she wondered about all these letters she'd been forwarding for the past year. Always the same handwriting, and the same return address. Iraq. Who Rory knew in Iraq was beyond her, but the smile on Rory's lips as she took that letter told her everything. It was definitely a guy.