36. Dog
A/N: Song: "Live to Tell the Tale" by Nightwish
Continued from theme 35, "Letter".
Two weeks later, there was another letter.
Though it was clearly only paper this time, it made Riza a little nervous. She hoped she hadn't said too much or too little or the wrong thing entirely, but she had to face whatever this was, and sooner rather than later.
Dear Riza,
I'm glad my note arrived safely. Perhaps it wasn't the right time, or even the right choice at all, but it was something I had to do. It didn't sound like you thought I was wrong in doing what I did, though, and I would hope that you would tell me outright if that was the case, so I'm going to allow myself to feel relieved unless you indicate otherwise in your next letter.
I did get new tags, though it didn't make anyone happy to hear that they'd just slipped off. It sounds like this happens a lot, and it's a hassle, so they made sure I wouldn't lose them a second time around by making this set a little heavier.
Now it feels like I've got a collar—how fitting for a military dog! They also remind me of those I sent you, but I hope that you won't see them as something so restrictive. The only one bound up in those chains is me.
Promise me you'll stay free, Riza. If I didn't make a mistake in sending you those dog tags, I sometimes wonder if I made one in getting them in the first place. I won't give up, though. You trusted me when you had little reason to, so I'll make sure that you see my dream come true if it takes my whole life.
That's my promise.
Until next time,
Roy