It took Beck a while to give into opening the letter . He didn’t NORMALLY recieve much post && it had earned some attention from the team . Ryan was sure that it was someone detailing how a one night stand had resulted in a pregnancy - Laura? Laura hinted at it being a court summons for something or other . What did Beck learn ? That none of his team REALLY had any faith in him . So he avoids the letter - because he’s avoiding the interrogations , who was right ? Who wrote the letter to the lonely Sergeant ?
The night was hot . Beck couldn’t sleep . He stalks the base in his regulation casual t-shirt && slacks , trying to find something - anything to do . The gym didn’t distract him for long , && eventually he found himself at his desk . He stares down at the envelope with his name written neatly on the front , then in a moment of WEAKNESS - tears it open && pulls the letter free. The handwriting inside is different - he compares it before frowning && continuing on to open it up completely && begin reading . Dear soldier -
He won’t admit it to anyone , but my the end of the letter he’s more than a little emotional . Fist pressed into his mouth he raises his eyes to the cieling && tries to convince himself to throw the paper in the bin && forget about the good samaritan . Does he REALLY need a distraction like this in his life ? It doesn’t matter - because mere moments later he’s pulling a notepad across the desk towards him , && with his formal writing pen - he begins in the neatest handwriting that he can manage.
I wasn’t going to respond to you , at first I wasn’t even going to read what you’d written . But something in your words made me change my mind . I wouldn’t say that I’m on the front line , but we see our fair share of danger && violence out here definitely . Your words of encouragement && determination are something that I really needed - I’m here to encourage my team , I don’t really get any of the same for myself - so your thoughts for me were needed like water coming to a wilting plant .
I grew up on an estate in the south of England , we didn’t own any FARM , but we had land - forests && rolling hills , lakes && open fields . I used to love walking them , embracing nature . I miss it now . When I’m not deployed I live in a small apartment in New York , there’s not much Nature round about there . I wish that I could come && see your land && all your animals - life is something that you can’t take for granted while you’re deployed , && you sound like you’re utterly drowning in it .
I’m not alone out here , far from it . There are multiple teams on our base - although they come && go to where they’re needed . My small little nook houses me and the others in what we affectionally call ALPHA FACTOR , I’m the commanding officer - the leader . Ryan is our sniper , Jay is our field medic && Laura is our communications && tech expert . That’s us at the moment , a little team of four . We’re like Brothers && sisters I guess … but I wouldn’t know as I too grew up as an only child .
I’m Really not sure what I’m Legally allowed to tell you - I might not be able to reply if anyone finds out about me writing to you so casually … but there’s something to be said for the danger about it as well . It’s nice to write it all out - i hope it gets through to you .
Thank you again cowgirl ,
GYSGT BECKETT , AF TEAM , ROYAL MARINE CORPS .
Though she loved her town and the people in it, Mel had to admit that the dating pool for her age had pretty slim pickings. Most people in the town in their thirties were either already married, not interested in commitment, or too busy with their own ranches to have a dating life. It was a Saturday evening several weeks since she’d began writing letters to the soldiers, and she was returning from an attempted date. Thing is, one could not have a date if said date failed to show up in the first place…perhaps she just wasn’t made for a relationship. Perhaps her life was just meant for taking care of her ranch. Jumping out of her truck, she released a deep sigh of frustration as she walked from her driveway to the mailbox to grab her mail for the day.
“Junk, junk, junk…” she muttered as she walked inside looking down at the envelopes in her hand, her dog greeting her at the door as she rubbed his head with a small smile and kept sifting through her mail. She almost threw the entire stack away until she noticed a different looking envelope with handwritten wording on the address line sticking out from the middle. Pulling it free and seeing the location of the return address, the other envelopes fell from her fingers and landed forgotten on the floor. Holy crap…she’d gotten a response! A soldier had been able to write her back!
“Look, Bandit! This soldier isn’t silent!” She put on some tea and sat down to begin reading the letter, her heart lightening and her mood lifting from having been stood up. The longer she read, the more she realized that her problems were fairly insignificant compared to what this man had to deal with daily. He seemed so compassionate, so well read and intelligent. Maybe she could keep reminding him he is not alone, that her thoughts were with him. Once she was finished reading, she instantly grabbed her paper and began a reply.
Well…it’s a pleasure to hear from you. I’m glad you have chosen to reply to me, because it means you’re all right. I worry often for the well being of our soldiers over there. Earlier today I was in a bit of a funk, so receiving your letter was certainly a bright light in my day. Thank you for that. Your rolling hills and fields sound exquisite. I personally love to sit outside at night. There’s no city lights, so you can see every star in the sky and watch the moon rise up. Talk about beautiful.
I’ve been to England twice on work trips with my father. It’s so lovely there, save for being a bit chilly both times I went. My ranch sits on a large plot of land, and while I am not going to brag, I will admit it is gorgeous out here. Not a hint of busy city life that could burn a person out. It’s nothing but peace. And though we have never met before, and I hope this isn’t weird, but do know that you are most welcome here on my property to see it for yourself whenever you come home safe to the states. You know, sometimes beauty is in the simplest things even amongst war. You just have to look for it.
So long as we are sharing details of ourselves, I’ll say that my father was a lieutenant colonel in the Marines. I lost him about six months ago during his deployment. His caravan was ambushed, and I miss him every day. I am happy that you have a family there that have your six. Jay, Laura, Ryan...cherish that ALPHA FACTOR with everything you have.
I’m truly happy that you replied. It gives me hope for you and your unit every day that you can remain safe as long as I read your words. And with this letter, I’m also sending a care package for you and your buddies. Some snacks, a few tokens from over here to remind you of home…and I’m also enclosing a picture of my ranch. To remind you that we are grateful every day and will keep working here on the home front in your honor.
Please stay safe. Never feel like you have to tell me anything that would even remotely endanger you or your fellow soldiers. And as long as I know you are on the other end of my letters, I will continue to be your encouraging voice helping you through the darkness. That much I can promise you.
To all the good things in life,
sugurugetos
titsay
pixelskylines
andulkaphoto
gamechangershow
romaincrisis
blakekathryn
2087
