Afghanistan, June 2004

I ran the ball down the field, maneuvering through the other players. I'd never been much of a jock, but this place has brought out a real competitive streak in me.

"Catch her, Collins!"

"I can't! She's too damn quick!"

I kicked the ball. Stuckey made a dive for it and…swish! It landed right into the net.

"Hell yes!" my teammates cheered.

"That's game point! Samuels wins it for the blue team!" the ref called.

Troy and Burton lifted me onto their shoulders. I felt so great. I should have played soccer in high school, but didn't figure out I was any good until the army, forced to play in the dry heat of Afghanistan. Go figure.

Tory and Burton put me down. "Hell of a game, Samuels," Gibbs said, approaching me.

"Thanks, Gibbs."

"Mail call!" Carter called from the door of the barracks. Everyone from the blue team filed inside.

"Burton, Collins, Harvey, Stuckey, Samuels," Carter called from her list.

She tossed me my thick envelope. The stamp was from Ghana, Africa and I knew who it was from immediately. There was a handwritten letter inside, along with another envelope. I started with the letter first.

"Big Sissy Boss Pants," It read.

I'm writing you this letter on my final day serving for the Peace Corps. I know you're off saving the world right now, but Donny told me that you get leave in four months, and so I've planned the next four months of my life all around you, Sista.

I'm getting married. Her name is Sonja. We've planned the wedding for October, just so you can be there. I know that if you were here, the first thing you'd ask me would be if I love her, and I do. I love her more than Gran's Wisconsin Cheese Curds (and you know how much I love those cheese curds).

But in all seriousness, I love her with all my heart, Tia.

I know that your second question would be "Are you going to invite Dad?" Don't get furious with me, but yes, I am. How can I not, Tia? He's out father. And just because he's coming does not meant that you're backing out. Sonja wants you in her wedding party. I know you two have never met, but she's totally the kind of person you'd get along with. She's funny and smart and hot damn, is she beautiful.

I can't wait to see you, Big Sis. Sonja is teasing me because I've started carrying around a piece of paper, crossing off the days until I can get home and see you and Donny again.

Love,

Gil

I ran to the latrines at the barracks and tore open the smaller envelope. It was full of pictures of Gil and who I could only guess was Sonja. Pictures of them farming, gathering water, playing with little African kids.

She was beautiful. Her brown hair fell just past her shoulders and her striking green eyes smiled up from the glossy print of the photograph.

Gil was in every single one. His blue eyes, crinkling at the sides, his face full of freckles. Gil never could tan, being a ginger and all. I felt a tug in my heart that I hadn't felt in so long trying to pull me back home. I liked my life here, but I desperately wanted a break. I wanted to see my little brother.

There was a knock on the latrine door. "Samuels? You in there?"

I wiped the single tear from my eye and opened the door. Gibbs was standing there, still wearing his rec clothes. "I'm fine Gibbs," I said to him. "You wanna let me by?"

He stepped to the side and I passed him, making for my sleeping quarters to change out of my rec clothes. "You wanna talk about it?" he asked me.

"Talk about what, Gibbs?"

"'Bout that letter in your hand. You ran off so fast after you finished it, I didn't get to brag about the beer my folks sneaked to me in an empty Pringle's can."

"No, I think I'm just gonna get ready for mess."

"Come on, Samuels. This beer ain't gonna drink itself," he taunts, shaking a Sour Cream and Onion can of Pringles at me. "I've also got an audio tape recording of the Red Sox game if talking's too big an issue."

I smiled at him. I never could resist Rory Gibbs. I spent the afternoon in the men's quarters, sipping on Coors Light and listening to the Red Sox lose.