thanks for your patience and reviews. Its been crazy here lately. I hope you enjoy where the story is going. Let me know your thoughts :)


VINCENT POV

I was woken up when a ray of sunlight struck me in the eye.

I really need to patch up the holes in my tent.

I groaned and pulled the blanket up over my head. I wasn't ready to get up. It had been an exhausting last couple of days. I was on duty for 48 hours straight. I managed to sleep for a good 30 minutes in two days.I laid on my back and sighed. Everytime I feel that things are getting too much to handle, I tend to read her letter. Its the only thing that's keeping me sane these last few days.

We've lost 5 of our brothers; 2 of them to landmines and 3 because of an ambush. We tried everything to save them but unfortunately it there was nothing we could've done. I can just imagine how their families felt, a little too familiar for me.

Its been a while since I've gotten a letter and this is the only one I have. I've folded up and carried it in my chest pocket.

"Keller, mail call"

I jumped up off my bed and walked outside my tent as Zach handed me my mail.

I started to walk back in, "Wait hold on, I got a package for you here too."

He reached further into his bag and smirked, "Catherine Chandler? A girlfriend?"

I shook my head, "nah man. She's just a friend." I knew he noticed that my face lit up as soon as he said her name.

'Uh huh. Ok whatever man, enjoy."

It was like Christmas morning, that's what it felt like to me.

I tossed the rest of my mail on the floor and sat down on my cot. I put the box on my lap and took my pocket knife out of my pocket and carefully cut through the tape to open it. As soon as I opened the box, I instantly smelled the cookies.

Yes!

As I reached in I found them and set them aside. She probably gave me two dozen or more because they were definitely heavier than before. I also found two sets of men's health and ESPN magazines. As I dig in deeper, I also found a package of granola bars.

Hmm ... Ok

There at the bottom of the box was the letter I was eager to read.

Vincent,

Hi! I hope this letter finds you well and I'm hoping all the contents of my package made it fine.

Well as you can see I wrote back, so, I still need some dirt on Mr. Forbes.

Ahh that's right. I couldn't help but laugh. I already know what I'm going to tell her.

To answer some of your questions, no you are not too old to be my friend. Besides I like older men *wink*

Crap. Is she flirting with me.

I am sorry to hear (in my case read) about your family. Losing your brothers so tragically must've been rough and hard for you. I know I'd be devastated if something happened to my sister. Although sometimes she does drive me to the point of insanity. How about you consider me pseudo-family then. No one should be alone especially over there and just know if you ever want to talk/write about them, I'm here for you. :)

This girl is amazing.

I also commend you for all you do there especially being a doctor. It must be hard and rewarding at the same time. By the way, I sent a box of granola bars for you to take with you if you can so you don't starve when you're busy saving lives.

That's very thoughtful and sweet.

Or you can eat them all at once. I sent you more cookies too.

I have a confession to make ... I love sunrises too. I just happen to wake up early this morning and I caught it outside my window. I wonder if it was as beautiful on your side of the world as it was in front of me.

Wow.

More about me ... Well lately all I've done is work and school. I got a couple of finals and papers that are due this week so its pretty hectic around here. I basically have been surviving on coffee and granola bars.

If I could go anywhere in the world right now it would be Alaska. I know its lame but I've always wanted to see the northern lights. What about you?

My question : what's your favorite movie?

Might be too forward but ... I can't wait to hear from you.

Your friend,

Catherine

P.s. I get worried about you being there. Please stay safe always.

I fold the letter along with her last one and started eating her cookies. I reached for the magazine and started flipping through them. Suddenly one of my officers came stumbling in my tent, "Lieutenant, we have an emergency, they need us right now."

Writing back to her would just have to wait for now.