Beirut, Lebanon

23 September 1941

Dear Alice,

Thank you so much for the biscuits (and yes I did share them, even with Addy, she likes the shortbread). No major allergies aside from Ensign Walters, who's allergic to bee stings - which I don't think will be a problem with biscuit making unless you plan on putting actual bees in them. Any chance of something savory, though? Some of the boys aren't huge on sweets. Just a request though, and you certainly don't have to follow through - I can remember from my childhood about rationing, and I don't know if that's already starting back home for this war.

Thank you also for the lecture notes, very fascinating and while you might not find them gruesome, they were sufficiently gross enough to get the boys to leave me alone for a little while. Think if I end up coming home on leave I can sit in on some of the lectures? Would that be allowed? You've been keeping up with your promise on sharing your knowledge, and from the way you've formatted the notes for a poor layman like me, you'll do wonderfully as a doctor - whichever town or hospital that ends up with you on staff will benefit greatly, I think.

(The flattery working yet? And if you do get the chance to dress up in a pretty dress, I'd like a peek if you feel like sharing; I'll work on returning the favor, but cameras are in low supply over here.)

I think Edith senses that you, like a lot of us, want a simple human connection and she's trying to let you know that she's there for you; this is just my opinion, but would opening that door between you really be that bad? You took a chance on me, after all, and we'd only known each other an hour before agreeing to write to each other. I know it's a risk - all friendships are and some don't work out, but risks are worth taking. It's up to you, but you can take it slow, like us and our friendship. If you decide to go out, then good for you, and I mean that very sincerely. You deserve to be happy and content, and sometimes stepping outside of your comfort zone gets you to that happiness.

And if you end up seeing Edith and Clara as surrogate little sisters, then that's good for you too; sisters can be annoying, but I couldn't imagine what my life would be like without Vera.

No pressure, but whatever you decide, I'll be here supporting you - even if it's purely through letters for the time being.

Your Friend, who does like hearing everything you choose to share,

Matthew