The Greene Effect - REWRITE!!

CHAPTER FOURTY THREE - NEW ADDITION

Amelia Greene -

Stiles and I write each other quite often.

I'm quite pleased. It gives me something to look forward too in the long weeks that pass. The other three write, of course, but with Zussman healing and Daniels having a family now, it's sparser. Aiello isn't much a communicator. And William . . he's failing badly.

But Stiles hasn't let me down. He writes literally everything that comes to his mind. One letter can start with talking about how new job, to admitting he's having night terrors, to this new recipe he tried, then a girl he met. I wouldn't have if any other way. It's quite entertaining to picture how he frantic he was to finish writing a thought whilst moving fast enough to not forget another.

I typically send him back equally confusing formats. But less happy. Less hopeful for the future. Less about blooming flowers and more about plants I'm trying hard to keep alive.

A few months passed with this back and forth, when at the end of his return letter, he inserted something I didn't expect.

"I was able to get Turner's and Perez's family address. They're open to letters. I thought you would like to send one. I've sent one each, and now I'm a bit nervous about how they'll like it. I think you'd do a good job at explaining it, though."

I took the opportunity in an instant, gently folding and placing the letter away before scrambling to my vanity, finding a blank sheet and pen, and writing my heart out.

I didn't hesitate. My hand simply moved. I wrote every thought I had been thinking about them.

"I found myself unsure of how I was going to make it past basic at times; until Turner would pull me aside and tell me I was doing great, or remind me that it was okay if I couldn't do it. This life wasn't for everybody.

But his words reminded me that I knew this life was. Because of his kindness and generosity, I was able to successfully serve for my country. There was little doubt in my mind when it was his orders I was taking.

Turner never failed to remind us how much he cared for our platoon. We all continue to regard him as one of the bravest, and most loyal men we will ever have the pleasure of serving under. I owe many lives to him. I owe so much more.

I could go on for pages about him; but I understand you already know of his legacy. I hope you all will be able to find peace one day."

"He talked about you all often. Always had a new story to tell or something to boast about. It made me long for a large family at times, one full of as much as love as he described. I hope you know that he always felt so lucky and so loved.

Perez made me laugh so hard I busted multiple stitches once. Of course, it hurt like hell, but it was the first thing that got me to laugh after my injury. He was so proud of that. He always wanted to make everyone feel a little bit better, and he always succeeded.

I think of him every day. He was one of my best friends. I pray that my letter reaches you with a sole intention; that your son, or brother, or nephew, was one of the best men I've ever had the pleasure of serving with.

I hope you all find peace one day."

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