Of Heartbeats and Stardust

Of Letters and Homesickness

My dearest Harold,

I know I said I'd wait for you to write me before you left but it's been weeks and I still haven't received anything but the post. You can imagine my frustration at this. I miss you ever so dearly and everytime the paper boy comes past I ask him if we've won the war yet; he always says no. I think he's beginning to grow annoyed with me.

I hope you're alright. You know how I feel about boats and all that; I haven't the slightest idea how you were able to get back on a boat after we got home. I suppose that just shows how very brave you are and it's one of the things I love about you.

Laurie and Elanor are doing alright; it's hard without you though. I know they're only a few months but I believe they got used to the sight of you. Gertrude, the lady across the street with that yappy yorkie puppy, offered to watch them while I pitched in at the factories. They're a few miles away but the walk is nice and peaceful. It gives me lots of time to think.

But enough about me. How are you? I don't remember what boat you're on but I think it's quite big. Is it big? Or small? Have you got your own bed, being an officer and all. But are you an officer on that ship? Are there even officers? I haven't got a clue.

I'm rambling and running out of room. I suppose I could use the back but I won't tempt myself. Write back soon if you can. Your family thinks of you often.

Love,

Winifred

* * *

Winifred,

I'm sorry I didn't write you. Getting used to being at sea again took its toll and I spent these past weeks feeling sick. You should refrain from torturing the paper boy; I fear he'll stop giving us paper. I'm flattered that you think I'm brave but I think it's just the fact that I'm stubborn.

You must give my love to the children. I miss you all too, but just think of when I get home. They won't even remember I was gone. I intend to make Laurie a fine sailor when he gets old. Tell Gertrude thank you for me; she's a nice woman, though that yorkie I could do without.

I hope you won't exhaust yourself at work. I should grow self conscious if I came back and you had more muscles than me. I am very proud that you are pitching in to help our country, but know that there is nothing more important to me than you, so don't overexert. The children need you. I need you.

The boat I am on is not that large. It is a medium sized boat, much like the one we came back on. They do have officers on this boat but they're much different than the ones on Titanic. I tried to teach you but you never listen. Now that you have it in writing, perhaps you'll remember.

I don't mind you rambling. I could spend hours reading your letters. I hope you'll send more. They're the only things that lift my spirits while we're at sea.

You and the children are always in my heart,

Harold

* * *

My dearest Harold,

Your letter put a smile on my face. I nearly kissed the postman when he handed it to me. I should think it would be a scandal if anyone saw me. You will be happy to know I have stopped bugging the paper boy and have taken to just taking getting the post first thing in the morning from his truck. This, however, might annoy him more.