The War in His Home

by BaileyFPeriod6

The Vietnam War was the first televised war and the average age men were drafted at was nineteen. Margaret Carter finds her husband and her brother-in-law on the screen in her house in Washington in the US. Margaret prays for her family while they are in combat and Robert prays to get back to his wife while Robert and Jack's parents pray that Jack will be the one to come home.

3. Chapter Three

Margaret Carter, age 25

"Margaret! We have a letter from Robert!" My sister exclaims. I turn with swift movements and animated expressions.

"Well open it, Maddie dear! What is the date written?" Madeline tears open the envelope and the pulls out the sheet of paper. She opens it and her eyes skirt the page for the date.

"August 13th." My face falls slightly. It has been three weeks. It is not uncommon for it to take this long to receive his letters.

"Read it," I order her.

"It says, Dearest Margaret and Madeline. We have been sent on a new mission. The Swift Operation. We will participate in a search and destroy mission in Que Son Valley. I hope you do not set your sights on watching this, any of this really. We have lost over 200,000 troops already and are forced to lose more before we get to be relieved of this job. I'm sorry this is taking so long. Every night I think of you and Maddie.

"I know that you are wondering, so I am glad to tell you that Jack is fine. I have come to the conclusion he is already suffering from PTSD, but who isn't?

"I love both of you girls and I hope to come home soon. Keep me updated from home. Once again, I love you. Robert."

I exhale and blink a few times to let it all sink in.

"You aren't thinking of watching the Swift operation, are you?" Maddie asks.

"As much as I don't want to, Maddie, what if I get the chance to see Robert again?"

"What is they don't show him at all? What would be the point? You will only scare yourself further." I sigh as I look at my sister. She doesn't understand the power of love as well as I do. I need to make sure that Robert will be all right. I guess watching this, even to see a glimpse of this, is just a risk I am willing to take.