Dear Jerome,

Joy and Patricia have given up their hopes of torturing you. Patricia stopped mainly because Eddie's returned. I think they've gotten back together again. Nina and Fabian are on the Nile somewhere. Nina says the baby is fine.

Joy's been fine. A little down since the whole "Fabina" thing, but she's gotten over it. Apparently she brought home a boy last night. You can imagine how Patricia felt! She had Eddie over, discussing business mostly. Honestly, I'm not sure what goes on between Patricia and Eddie. It's obvious that they like each other, but they don't say or do anything! It's really bad for Amber, who feels that her matchmaking skills aren't working.

Amber and Alfie are fine. They've managed to buy a new home. Alfie's company is doing well at least. It's all thanks to you.

Mick and I are fine as well. Mick's still mad at you for running away. I still wonder why you went away.

Sincerely,

Mara

P.S. Poppy won't say why you went away. She's doing well though. She's going to graduate in the spring.

Jerome smiled as he read Mara's latest letter. The base was fine. There were a few attacks, but not many near his base, mostly to another base east of here. He was glad to hear his friends were doing alright. It made him feel better about his situation.

Private Ngo, an American recruit, came in. "How's your girlfriend doing?"

Jerome rolled his eyes. "She's not my girlfriend. She's already married too."

"Ah, so you're helping her cheat on her husband."

"Shut up." Jerome grinned as he grabbed a pencil and paper.

Dear Mara,

Not much to write. I honestly don't know what to write about. There have been a few attacks, but to another base, mostly east of here. A town near here has gotten through alright as well. We found a poppy field (reminds me of her) and destroyed it. It was really sad because the family just stood and wailed. It was the only way for them to make money.

I gave one of the kids a little bit of "British money". He was really happy. Golden Silence received his visa, and he's on his way to the U.S. We're all happy to see him go to a better life, but we're also sad because this is probably the last time we'll see him.

Sincerely,

Jerome

P.S. Will you write written confirmation that you're not my girlfriend? The guys here are under the delusion that you are.