Chapter 3

The Letter

Rafe stared at Dolittle in disbelief. But the Colonel's eyes were firm and unwavering. And Rafe wanted so much to believe him. But he didn't say anything. He only let his hand holding the gun fall away from his head and drop to the floor beside him. The other men sighed in relief from their places in the near the door. Dolittle reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.

" Here ", he said as he held it out to Rafe. " We found it in Walker's jacket. It's for you."

Rafe took it, crumpling the paper in his fist. He still could hardly believe that what Dolittle said was true. The Colonel just stared at McCawley before getting up and leaving, bringing the others with him.

And again, Rafe was alone. He stared down at the paper in his palms. It was worn, battered, wrinkled, stained with dirt...and blood. This was the letter that every soldier, pilot, marine, anyone in the armed forces of the United States kept in their left breast pocket. Their last letter. The letter that got delivered once they were dead. Tucked safely in their pocket over their heart, written to those that they thought deserved a last word.

Rafe contemplated this for a moment. And then he slowly unfolded the piece of paper and let it lie in his lap. His eyes traced the wrinkles, the creases, and every line of every word written in Danny Walker's handwriting. They fell upon every stain or dirt and blood and tears that blurred the words.

And he was afraid to read it. He was afraid to read the letter meant for him if his best friend was dead and gone. A letter written expressing Danny Walker's last sentiments. His farewell. He wasn't sure if he could handle the turmoil, the emotions, and the soul that was scrawled on this battered piece of paper.

But he had to. So he did. He began to read.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Rafe,

If you're reading this, then I'm not coming home except for in a box. And I don't want you or Evelyn to feel bad over me. Flying was all I ever wanted to do and I did it because I loved doing it. I just want to clear a few things up and let nothing be misunderstood.

First of all, I'm sorry. I'm sorry everything got so screwed up. I never meant to ruin our friendship or fall in love with your girl. But I did. And I never wanted you to go to England to be a hero. But you did. And I couldn't control what happened but I'm still sorry for screwing up. You and Evelyn can be together now. Just like you were always meant to be. And you know I would've been at the wedding. But I'm sure you can find another guy to fill my seat.

I also want to thank you,Rafe. I want to thank you for teaching me how to fly and always watching out for me. For believing in me and never and giving up on me. For giving me a better life after my father died and letting me become a part of your family. For all the good times and the laughs and not bailing when things got bad. I want to thank you for being my best friend, Rafe. And I want you know that you always were and you always will be. And nothing, no woman, no war, no distance can change that. Not even death.

I want you to marry Evelyn and I want to you live your life not feeling guilty over me. I don't have much, but what I do have, I leave to you.

And I want to tell you something else. When Evelyn and I thought you were dead, it was hell for me. And for her. I've never been lonelier in my life, Rafe. And she was heartbroken. We took comfort in each other and one thing led to another and we got involved. It was never an intentional act to betray you or anything like that. When you came back, it was the last thing either of us expected. Just so you know.

So there really isn't anything else to say. Except good bye. Bye, Rafe.

Home of the Brave

Your brother,
Danny

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Rafe shuddered as he finished reading, tears streaming down his face. He folded it back up again and stuffed it into his pocket. He tried to regain control over his emotions.

" Jesus, Danny ", he murmured as he stared up at the ceiling.

He didn't move or speak for a while longer. He just sat, soundlessly, the words echoing in his mind. He didn't know what hell was going to happen when they went home, but right now all he was going to worry about was Danny and keeping him alive. And bringing him home.