A/N:I know that this is a shorter chapter, but no worries. There are still four more chapters to come! :D
"There's A Light At the End of This Tunnel" from Tunnel by Third Day
Chapter 10: There's A Light At the End of This Tunnel
March 21, 1961
My Beautiful, Beautiful Girl,
Don't cry, honey. I know it's frightening, and I am sure it's harder for you because you can't see me and hear from me all of the time, to be sure that I'm as safe as I am, and that you are, too. Please don't cry, though. I'm fine, Emma, and I am obviously alive and well enough to read your letter and write you a response. I'm so glad that you've said yes to me. I promise you, Emma, I am going to give you everything that you've ever wanted and more. I am going to take such good care of you. It means so much to me that you trust me like that, and it means even more to me that your father trusts me with you. Tell him I said thank you – his faith in me means the world to me.
Emma, I want you to do something for me. I want you to think back to that last day that we spent together before I came out here. We were on the pier, and I held your face in my hands and I told you something. Do you remember what I said? I told you I wanted to come home to your graduation ceremony. I know that was a very risky thing to say, especially because the chances of me being home for your graduation, let alone home at all seemed like a slim chance. But it's just been confirmed that we're heading home in a couple of months! Emma, I'm finally coming home, and I'll be in time for your graduation. I'll get to see you walk across that stage in your beautiful gown.
I can't wait to see you and Grandma Clarissa again and get back home to Lima. I know Lima doesn't seem that exciting but it sounds like such a beautiful haven compared to the past two years here. Sometimes, I feel like I'm going crazy from being here. Maybe I am. I really don't know one way or the other anymore after the things I have seen and the things that we've gone through. What I do know is that the knowledge that I'll be seeing you soon keeps me sane. I can't wait to hug you again, Emma, and hear your sweet little voice and cute little laugh. My world will finally be completed again.
It may seem rushed, but I want to marry you as soon as I get home. We can leave right after your graduation and head out to Las Vegas and get married as soon as we possibly can. I've gone two whole years without you by my side and I don't want to spend any more time without you.
I have to go now. I won't be able to write you after this letter, and I don't know if I'll receive a response. Just know that the day you graduate, I'll be home, waiting for you. I love you more than I can say Emma. I'll see you soon, my beautiful, beautiful fiancée.
Love,
Your Traveling Soldier
-x-
April 15, 1961
Will,
I AM SO EXCITED THAT YOU ARE COMING HOME! I already can't stop talking about it. Mom's actually told me I am not allowed to talk about it if she's in the room, and I've only known for a day now. I know you won't be able to respond to this, and maybe you won't even get this letter before you return home, but I am still going to send it on the off chance that you will get it.
Getting married as soon as you get here is more than okay with me. I don't know if I'm ever going to let you out of my sight again. I've missed you so much, Will. I feel lighter, though, and less stressed now that I know you're set to come home. I'm crying, even though you think I shouldn't be. I am, but these are happy tears, I promise. We've all been so worried. Clarissa is through the roof! We're already planning dinner for your return. I ran to her house the moment I got your letter yesterday to tell her the exciting news. She's thrilled.
I don't even know what to say except that I am so excited. I love you and I'll see you soon. So soon.
Love,
Emma