Flash Fiction Friday prompt 162: The Letter. 725 words.
Five times Jeff received a letter and the one time he wrote one.
1:
His hand shook as he held the envelope.
Paper – real paper – was such a rare commodity that it was seldom used except for some really important occasions. And if he was right, this was one of those occasions.
Sitting down hard, he took a deep breath and as carefully, as respectfully, as he could he slit the envelope open.
He wiped his hands on his trousers before gently pulling out the letter within. The next breath caught in his throat as he scanned the writing.
Dear Mr Tracy.
It is with great pleasure that we write to inform you that you have been selected for the mission to Mars…
Jeff dropped the letter on the desk and collapsed back into the chair. He'd done it. He fulfilled his greatest dream.
Laughter bubbled up, and before long his best friend and roommate had rushed in to find out what was wrong.
Lee Taylor picked up the identical letter and soon joined him.
2:
He unscrewed the container from the shuttle delivery with a frown. It was marked personal and had been dropped off to Alfie at an unscheduled time. They had yet to get the comms up and running, so this communique was very welcome.
The heavy cream envelope was slightly perfumed, and Jeff's frown deepened. The last time he had received a letter it had been to let him know about Mars, but this one was deeply personal and, he sniffed gently, the familiar lavender and lilac scent filling his nostrils. It was a hand he knew well.
With the same gentleness he opened the letter and the simple missive inside caused just as much of a reaction.
My Darling Jeff,
I know that you have three months left to go, but I wanted you to know as soon as possible. I wish I could see your face, but you need to know this now.
Darling, we are going to have a baby.
His laughter was slightly hysterical this time, and Taylor was no help at all…
3:
This time the letter was unwelcome. It had been hand delivered, and the two men that had brought it to him waited at a discrete distance.
The crest on the envelope told him what it contained without him opening it, and he sat back with a heavy heart.
Still, he slit it open with the silver letter opener Virgil had given him and read the letter.
On behalf of USAF it is my sad duty to confirm that your son, First Lieutenant Scott Tracy is missing, presumed to have been killed in action…
His heart stopped.
4:
The next time two men in uniform appeared on his doorstep Jeff was no better prepared.
He was handed an identical envelope and he slit it open with identical speed.
Dear Mr Tracy.
It is with some happiness that I write to inform you that your son, First Lieutenant Scott Tracy, has this day been rescued…
He couldn't read any more due to the tears.
5:
The last time Jeff received a letter it was almost identical to the one his Lucy had written to him. This one was rose-scented and expected.
Dear Mr Tracy,
Having considered your proposition most carefully I am happy to say that I accept.
Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward.
Jeff sighed in relief. The final part of the puzzle that was International Rescue was now in place and he could begin his organisation in earnest.
6:
My wonderful, amazing, beautiful Scott.
If you are reading this then something has happened to me. I am so sorry, son, that I am not here to help you, to be there to comfort you in this time of distress like you deserve.
I want you to know that I have always loved you, admired you. On occasion even been jealous of your strength of spirit. You get that from your Mother, you know.
You have become a better man than I could ever hope to have been, and I will always be in your shadow. I only wish I could be here to see the amazing heights that you will reach.
I don't need to tell you to take care of your brothers, I know you will.
I love you, son, with all my heart.
Dad
NOTE: The letter that Jeff receives about Scott being missing is based on actual letters that were sent to families during the Second World War