Page 40 of Snowed in with the Grump

My conscience pricks. I shouldn't look or invade her privacy, but they’re addressed to me. I flip through the stack with trembling fingers before giving in to temptation.

I read one letter after another, my emotions swirling wildly.

* * *

Dear Carter,

It’s been a few months since you left for basic training. Things aren’t the same around here. I never imagined how quiet the place would be without you.

I hope training is going well and you’re making new friends.

Sarah’s counting down the days until you’re home on leave. I’ll stock up on popcorn and your favorite candy for movie night!

Stay safe, and hurry home.

Your friend always, Ava

* * *

Dear Carter,

I hope life is treating you well.

Things at home are painfully dull. Starting senior year without you around to tease me feels wrong.

I always imagined we’d be friends, staying up late laughing at inside jokes.

I’m happy you’re finding your path, even if it means leaving me behind.

You’ll probably get caught up in your new life and forget me, but I’ll always be here if you need a friend.

I could visit you someday.

Miss you lots, Ava.

* * *

Dear Carter,

Time is slipping away too fast.

Remember the night before you left for basic training?

We stayed up until sunrise, talking in the treehouse, making promises to keep in touch. Now we’re separated by oceans, and part of me wonders if this is the end of an era.

I know our friendship runs too deep to fade away completely.

I’ll be thinking of you every day. I believe in you, Carter.

Stay safe out there. This isn’t goodbye, just see you later.

Love always, Ava.

* * *

One letter has wrinkledpaper and spots blurred by what looks like Ava's tears. She wrote it after learning I was hurt in action. Her anguish leaps off the page.

I've glimpsed the truth, Ava’s innermost feelings, in her own hand. She poured her heart onto these pages. Longing, regret, hope. Her words–honest and raw.

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