Dear Charlie, Part 1 (edited)

Submitted by E on Wed, 03/24/2010 - 11:41

Dear Diary, The soldiers retrieved Charlie today. I waited with him, terrified, on his porch. He was so good to dear Mrs. Wendell. I know that she is so scared--scared that he will die like his father. I have the same concerns. I know he is strong and brave, but I really do fear for him. The King’s foolish war is killing men by the minute. I suppose it’s dangerous to talk this way--especially with Aunt Lavinia rummaging my things. No matter, though. I have promised to write to Charlie-as long as he comes back in one piece, and quickly. That made him laugh. It was good to make him laugh before walking into such a horrid world. He promised to come back in one piece quickly, and to write. After so many years together it is difficult to imagine being apart. Aunt Lavinia, Uncle Roland, Cousin Esther and Cousin Gregory came to wish him safe travel and a swift return. I know that Roland, Essie and Gregory meant it, anyway. Sometimes I think Aunt Lavinia comes next door only to see Mrs. Wendell in her unkemptness--which she definitely was today. She looked a mess. I told Charlie and Mrs. Wendell that I would visit every day and check up on her, help her. Charlie appreciated it, and so did Mrs. Wendell, I think. She’s very much a farmer’s wife--tough and mostly unemotional. Granted, she was today. Watching him walk out to the carriage was terrible. The soldiers looked so stiff and frightening with their swords at the ready and bright red coats. Secretly, I was (and still am) hoping that he won't fit in, and can run away and come back home--and somehow elude the soldiers. But this is selfish of me. He is so excited to be doing something. Charlie said that he would be arriving at the base within two days. I will be counting the hours until I can write to him. I could sooner, and then the letter would already be there, but I would rather wait. I’m not sure why. Aunt Lavinia is banging on my door for me to sleep. Good night, Brenley Elise Wright-Brown, April 9th

Author's age when written

Genre

Fiction