Tear Stained Letters

by LSMunch

This was the end of his childhood, the jungle of transition into adulthood that he had fought through. Lifting the first one from the pile, he noted the date, the worn paper, the water stains that had made the ink run a bit.

35. Letter 35

See, you got to shoot animals in the head. If we shoot you in your stomach, you may just fall over and die. But an animal, you got to shoot them in the head. They don't understand that they supposed to fall over and die. -Reginald "Malik" Edwards, US Marines

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Bernie,

Mom and Uncle Jacob told me you were in another fight and broke your arm. Was it with Quintin? Was it about me, or Dad? Whoever it was with and whatever your reason, I hope you've learned that fighting isn't an option. Ever. Don't take this the wrong way, I just want you to learn that fighting and war is never the answer. It may seem to solve things, but it doesn't. All it leads to is death, destruction, loss of trust and heartache. I need to know that you know that. Being over here is an experience that I will never forget. I will never forget the sight of the first man I saw die. The sound of incoming artillery. The sound of bullets. The sight of blood on a friend who's been shot. I don't necessarily want you to know it, but I want you to remember it. If our generation doesn't remember this war... we can't avoid a similar one in the future.

Love,

John

PS Take care of that arm.