One week later, Steve left to go visit our Aunt Susan who lived in Chicago. My uncle had died two days after Richard left.

When we reached the train station, my heart ached for all it was worth. The scene of Richard boarding the train that was overcrowded with soldiers, filled my head.

I faintly heard my mother calling me, "Jackie!"

"Oh, sorry." I turned and gave my brother a hug.

And here we are, watching my brother leave by train.

"Jackie? Would you please run to the post office for me? Steve promised me he would write and I don't have time to go."

"Sure"

When I got to the post office I spotted Emily, my childhood best friend and fellow nurse in training, sorting letters.

"Hey Jackie"

"Hey. Anything for me?"

"Yes actually. One from Chicago and one from Italy."

"Richard?"

"Probably. Unless you have a long lost cousin that you conveniently forgot to tell me about."

"Just give me the letter already."

"Letter? What about your brother?" Emily teased.

"Give me the letters! Emily!"

She laughed as I practically ripped them out of her hand, "See you at school tomorrow!"

"Bye!" I yelled over my shoulder as I yanked open the letter from Italy. It read,

My dearest Jackie,

This letter is probably censored and hard to read but I just want you to know that I love you and I miss you every day. I hope that you get this letter but above all, I hope you can feel my love no matter where you are. I hope that you are well and that everything is well at home and with your family. Every night I think of you and our kiss. I love you Jackie. Don't you ever forget that. You are the one thing that keeps me going. Its rough out here but I am well and unharmed. Give a 'hello' to Mrs. Rogers and tell Steve to not do 'anything stupid until I get back'. I know this letter is short, but then again you also know that I'm not very good at putting my thoughts on paper.

Forever Yours,

Richard Barnes

I sighed with pure pleasure. Then, out of curiosity, I opened the letter from Steve only to discover that it wasn't from Steve. It was addressed to my mother and it read,

Dear Ella,

I am so sorry to say this but Steve has run off to war. He found out that Richard Barnes was in the area for a few days and the two of them decided to go to the World Exhibition. Little did I know that there was an enlistment building there so I allowed him to go. I am so sorry for that. I woke up this morning to find a note on my counter. It read, Aunt Susan, I know that this is shocking but I got accepted into the U.S. Army. Please tell my family that I love them and do not mean to worry them but that I feel that it is my duty to fight on behalf of my country. Steve. I tried to send for him but he was already gone. I'm so sorry my dear Ella.

Sincerely,

Susan

I stared in shock. Who in his right mind would let my brother join the army? How would I tell Mom? Maybe I won't tell Mom. No, I have to tell Mom.

Its three weeks after we got Steve's letter. Mom and I both received another from him trying to explain that he received a syringe and was now different and that he would survive. My first thought was quite the story Steve, quite the story. You're still insane. I received two more letters from Richard (one a week), but it was now the third week and there was still no letter. I told myself not to worry, that he's fine but it's like I can't shut my brain off as possibilities overflowed my mind.

"I am ashamed to admit," started our teacher that morning, "that there are only two graduates from our Nursing School of Brooklyn this year. Emily Brown and Jacklyn Rogers come and collect your diplomas. The rest of you… just keep studying."

I couldn't believe it! We made it!

"I am very proud of the two of you. Strong, independent young women that want to work where it is most dangerous. I sent a request to the board as soon as I realized that you would pass and here is your certificate and tickets to travel overseas."

I'm going to Italy! A part of me looked forward to being in the same camp as Richard, but a bigger part of me worried that he wouldn't be there.

"Aren't you excited?" Emily asked me later.

I was walking home, quietly listening to my friend's chatter. "I don't know. I mean, I'm excited to have graduated from nursing school but…"

"Richard still hasn't sent you a letter has he?"

I shook my head, "How did I, the tomboy of childhood, turn into a lovesick maid?"

"It happens to everyone at some point in their lives."

"Even you?" I asked with a grin.

"Maybe I will meet a strikingly handsome soldier."

I laughed, trying to shake the tension in my bones.

"So?" Mom asked as soon as I walked in the door.

"So, what?"

"Did anyone graduate?"

"Oh, yea. Emily and I did," I said not meeting her eyes. I didn't know how she would take it, her last child at home going to a place of war.

"That's great! Congratulations!"

"Thanks"

"You know, I might like to see your diploma and certificate."

"Yea, and I might not want you to see it," I snapped.

Mom fell silent. Then she spoke, "So you're going to work overseas?"

"Yea," I was quiet.

"I am very proud you know. I'm proud of all my children. I'm glad you got what you wanted."

"Really?"

"Yea," Mom said as she gave me a hug.

Tears filled my eyes (which is very unusual for me).

"What's the matter?"

"Mom. I'm going to the same camp as Richard and I don't even know if he's going to be there!"

Mom looked into my eyes, "Don't go there Jackie. Be brave! He might be wounded and in need of your help. It'll be all this worrying for nothing."

I nodded but inside, I didn't feel sure about any of that.

'I hope you can feel my love no matter where you are.'

I'm sorry Richard, but I can't!