18 Months

by Lo Lovely

Alfred is a Vietnam soldier drafted to go fight for the war. He writes letters to Matthew, his boyfriend of two years about his experience at Vietnam how he has to fear for his life everyday and Matthew writes back his love to keep his hero safe. 2p Characters are in in. Matt is 2p Canada, and Vinnie is 2p America. Co-written with my best friend Nikki.

3. April 3, 1968

April 3rd, 1968

Dear Matthew,

Guess what? Some guy thought it was funny to place a large spider on my cot. It was huge I tell you. I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the size of my palm, and you know how big my palm is. April Fools passed and still, I go by the day pretending that I'm okay, that I won't die tomorrow, but really in kidding myself.

This place is beautiful Mattie. In the morning the village people would come out of their huts and go to their rice field, plant some rice and ride their water buffalo. It almost seems like I'm on a vacation, except you're not here. You're halfway across the world. Man I miss you so much.

Training is good. Turns out I'm a good shoot. I guess playing with you guns as a kid had its advantages. Guns are heavier than they look. I'm about to operate an automatic M-60 gun once I go into combat. I'm scared for what I'm about to encounter. I heard the Vietcong place booby traps everywhere. I hope I don't get caught in one. Send your prayers and your love to me.

I'll be home soon, I promise. I love you.

-love

Alfred Jones

P.S. I'm still waiting for that kool-aid package.