ENTRY #1

Letters and Barkeeps

Jasper slid an envelope to me as soon as I sat at the bar. "Edward sent a new letter, Ms. Bella."

"Thank you, Jasper. Can you get me a scotch?"

I pulled the letter out of the envelope and opened it up to read as Jasper sat my drink on the bar.

Dearest Bella,

We've spent the last several weeks in the midst of famine and disease. I understand the reasons for the closures to the outside world, but I miss you and am severely disappointed that we are once again being refused any form of furlough.

Frankly, between the typhus and tuberculosis that are rampant in the camp, I can't help but wish I was stationed elsewhere. Perhaps if I was, I'd be allowed to visit home. The commanders say soldiers elsewhere are being given that opportunity.

I know when I left, I wasn't sure that I agreed with the speeches and letters released, but I have come to understand why the sanctions and more were placed.

There are young children here who are so ill that they can't breathe or move properly. The people as a whole get over one thing like dysentery or typhoid fever, only to get another disease, mere days later.

The only thing I can think of is, as a people, they must be truly cursed. When all are well, and these plagues have ended, I believe they will be freed. And we will return home all the better for it.

Trust in the NSDAP to get us through.

Edward

It was a similar letter to previous ones I had received, though, with each letter, the love of my life became more devout in his beliefs that everything being done was for the best.

When he'd been drafted in, almost four years prior, it hadn't been what he'd believed.

"Everything alright?" Jasper asked.

"More of the same. He insists illness and disease are the reasons that they have been quarantined to the camps. He swears it's why he himself hasn't been home and continues to claim that other soldiers are allowed to come home."

"Yet the only soldiers we see are those that come through seeking out more of those they seek to contain."

"Is my Edward blind? Or are we?"

"Do you believe him when he writes they will go free?"

I contemplated his words briefly before finally responding, "I suppose I do, what other option is there?"

"I don't disagree, which I suppose means we're all blind."

I lifted my glass in a salute. "Heil Hitler."

Jasper snorted and turned his back, returning to washing glasses.

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