Back To The Old House

chapter 3

August 1914 

Theodore, 

London does not feel the same anymore. We have only been back a few hours as I write this letter, but I find myself wanting to be back in the countryside with you again. The whole thing isn't fair. I already miss you. We're not even in the same part of London that we were before, so I cannot even see friends from before we moved away. 

Please write back soon. I'm feeling awfully lonely,

Will

~

August 1914

Will, 

Things are much the same here. I miss you too. My brother Sammy is back at home for a few days before he gets his postings. It's a shame you moved away so quickly. You would've liked Sammy. He's the best older brother I could ask for.

He's insisted that we spend time together, and of course, I agree. I do feel bad, however. He is five years older than me, and away for an apprenticeship. He doesn't come home often because of the travel costs. I think he has forgotten that I'm not always going to be interested in the same things.

Anyway, maybe you can ask your parents when you can next come to visit? 

I miss you too, 

Theodore

~

September 1914

Teddy,

School has started again, and it is leagues different from our little grammar school. I've forgotten how hectic London can be. It's so loud! Father is so busy nowadays, and Mother tells me nothing anymore. I have no idea what's going on at any point. I wish you were here so that I did not feel so out of place. 

Your letters are the only thing keeping me sane. Please hurry and write back soon, 

William

~

September 1914

William, 

Things are not so fun here anymore either. School has started for us again too, and everyone else seems to have moved on from your departure so easily. I feel as if I am utterly alone at school now. I've become so used to always knowing you were beside me. It was like you were always here. Sometimes I forget you were only here two years. To not have you here is strange. 

Please ask your parents when you can visit. I do not know how much longer I can go without my best friend, 

Theodore

~

September 1914

Theodore, 

My parents are not allowing me out of their sight right now. I think we shall have to wait a while until I can visit. My father and I argued recently about me asking so many questions. About the war, about when I can return to visit you. All sorts of questions. He has never been upset at my inquisitive nature before. It is the first time he's ever raised his voice at me. My ears rang for hours, and Mother insisted he was just stressed. I am not so sure. 

I'm sorry that I can't return as quickly as we would like.

William

~

October 1914

William, 

Please try not to worry yourself so much. I'm sure your father didn't mean to shout. Your mother is very smart, and you should trust her. Let's try and think of brighter and happier things from now on. It might help to distract us from missing one another so much. It might help us think we're having just a normal conversation.