Margaret looked at Colonel Potter, "I think I want to write back."
Potter nodded, "Having trouble knowing what to say..."
"I've tried several times," Margaret began, "but it just isn't saying what I want to say, or how I want to say it."
"Major, what do you want to say?" Potter asked.
"Frank Burns...that man drove me crazy..." Margaret noted.
"Well, he drove all of us a bit crazy – you more than anyone else, most likely," The Colonel's calm voice filled the room, "he did write you a very apologetic letter. Maybe the man has turned his life around."
"I think..." Margaret began.
"Margaret," Potter interrupted, "Follow your gut instinct. Hard to be wrong that way. I think you are trying too hard to find the right words. Major, there are no "right words" for a letter like this. You've got to tell Frank Burns exactly what you want to tell him."
"Colonel Potter," Margaret noted, "I do have certain strong feelings about this."
"Good. That's what you need to write. Don't polish it up. If Frank Burns was standing here, what would you say to him?" Potter asked.
"What the hell are you doing back at the 4077th?" Margaret laughed, lightly.
"Margaret, you are a kind, smart and very capable woman who can be as direct as sunlight. Use it, damn it!" Potter exclaimed.
Margaret stood silent. Talking to the Colonel had been a very good move. It was time to write what she really wanted to. Straight, Direct. With some kindness. She thanked the Colonel for his time, and told him she was going back to write the letter, now. And she was off to her tent.
She put Frank's letter next to her on the bed, so she could read while she wrote.
"Dear Frank
It was very thoughtful of you to write me.
You seem to be doing well, and I'm glad.
There are a lot of challenges in coming home from war; I'm very happy to see how you are working to get past them.
For the first time in I don't know how long, I can see you being happy. Content. I smile when I think of that.
The 4077th keeps moving along; we have a Dr. Winchester who replaced you. He's very good, but he knows it – and is quite willing to share that fact. Radar went home. Klinger is now our company clerk; instead of trying to get out of the army, the Corporal is now doing a great job. Particularly for Colonel Potter – perhaps the most kind and decent man I've met.
He told me to "write from the gut."
You hurt me, Frank. At one time, we were very close – or at least I thought we were. That's hard to get over.
I appreciate your honesty.
I hope you appreciate mine.
As much as I'd like to forgive you, I can't do that right now.
Memories are too fresh.
Some pain lasts a bit longer.
However, I do want to continue writing. It's a start.
Tell me more about your new life.
Sincerely,
Margaret"