Beirut, Lebanon

28 December 1941

Dear Alice,

I'm glad to hear that you're safe, it was at the forefront of my mind until I got your letter. Mum and Vera also said they were safe, but I wonder what will happen now that Japan is firmly in this war… God only knows how it'll escalate from here. The more we hear coming out of the mainland, the worse it seems. Tempers are also running a little high from what we've heard of the attacks - especially where we've troops stationed in Singapore.

I have a friend stationed there from before the war… I hope he's alive.

Talk is spreading like a bushfire here, it seems very likely they're sending us home, but we don't know when or where. We could get leave, we could go straight to training, but all we really know is that we're to pack and wait. Hurry up and wait… the unofficial motto of being in the army. If I can, I will let you know the moment I do. I wish I had a firm answer for you, Alice, but I… I don't. And the higher-ups don't really listen to a lowly Staff Sergeant.

I think your favorite flowers are lovely, and though I had to look up what callistemons were since I grew up calling them something else, I'm writing down a note for myself to make sure you get the biggest bunch of those bottlebrushes available for your birthday this year. My favorite flowers are also peonies, all colors, all shapes of them. They're a treat to grow (for me at least), and their fragrance is soothing to me. That's one thing I enjoy about over here - learning all the new types of plants and flowers, getting our translators to teach me the local names for them; they're so different from flowers back home, and sometimes the locals don't quite believe me about our animals and plants, but it's always good to learn something, isn't it?

I love the handkerchiefs, it's clear you put a lot of thought into them; in any case, your sewing skills are better than mine, and I would love them even if you thought they were your worst work. It's the thought behind them that counts. I'm sorry I don't have something to send you, they've restricted us from leaving our duty stations since we may leave at any given moment, so you'll, unfortunately, have to settle for another doodle of Miss Spitfire.

I'm glad Edith is setting out on her own and following what she wants to do; it's admirable of her, and I like to think she had a good role model in you to follow in your lead. And although it seems you didn't have parents that worried for you, you have people now who care what happens to you now; including this tired soldier writing this letter. You've done so well, Alice, and I know you'll achieve your dreams of being a pathologist; every day brings you one step closer to that dream.

Ah, good, I don't have to come home and aid you in eviscerating a man - now I can come home to enjoy your company like planned. I hope that one day you can find a partner worthy of your time and thoughts (and that I don't have to help you kick their arse if needed.)

Alright, alright, it wasn't just Addy who got into the biscuits - it was the boys, but I really would like some; I wasn't lying when I said I barely got any, so I thank you for the latest batch. Your shortbread has improved in leaps and bounds! I know it's hard to see progress, but these really are your best yet.

We're safe over here, and I plan on staying safe - same with Lieutenant Collins. Tell everyone at home I say hello and pass my regards as well.

Your Friend,

Matthew

[enclosed is a separate portrait of Adelaide, caught in mid-indignant meow, with the caption "I wouldn't let her take my socks, again. Someone is on Santa's naughty list this year. Merry Christmas! - M, Dec. '40" below it.]