When We Meet Again

Chapter 10 - Training

Like he had said, Robert returned to his military duties at the end of the week, and also like he had said, he made sure to write to Diana when he could.

The days he spent at camp were long and arduous, training men who had barely just become adults (much like himself) as well as some who could be old enough to be his father. They all had next to no military experience, and training was a difficult task, yet the letters he would receive from Diana were enough to soothe his soul.

Dear Robert,

She would write.

These cold days here in Albany have been slow and unfulfilling, as you are probably familiar with, and they just seem to drag on. But luckily, the warmth from the hearth has kept me docile, as well as your letters. I pray that your days have been decently comfortable, and you are well accommodated for at camp.

"We are far from it." Robert would think to himself. "I wouldn't call a 100 year old army camp that has crumbling barracks, along with windows that haven't been resealed since they were installed comfortable, but it's the thought counts."

I have faith that you will do your job gracefully, and that you will prove your worth. I have no doubt you will lead with strength. And do not let the older men push you around. You are there for a reason.

Though he wished not to show it, things like this did bother Robert. The older men seemed to think that just because of their age, they could push him around and not treat him seriously, even if they were below his rank. They saw him as a rich, pampered boy, who liked to push others around just because he could. He despised this.

He knew he had to stand his ground, and, like Diana said, show them that he was there for a reason.

I miss our long walks and talks, and I long for your return. I cannot wait to hear your voice and see you in person again.

"As do I." Robert thought to himself.

Please write again soon. Your letters mean so much to me.

Sincerely,
Diana

Robert folded the letter and set it in a box that contained all of the other ones she had written him. He would write back to her later.

  He sat back down on his creaky bed, and laid his head down in his hands. He sat in silence for a bit, listening to the rain pouring down on the windowpanes. It still has not snowed yet, and the days were still cold, but not enough for anything to freeze.

Robert then peered around at his surroundings. The old brick walls had been painted at one point, but it was now starting to peel. A simple desk and chair sat in one corner, where Robert would write letters, and in the other was a wash basin and a chest where he kept his clothes. Across the room from them was his bed where he was sitting, and a small bedside table, where he kept a journal and a picture of his mother and sister.

This barrack wasn't much, but it has been his home for the past week.

At least I'm not trapped in a crappy tent. Robert would tell himself, making the situation seem a little better.

He would wake up early in the mornings, before the sun would rise, and proceed to make his daily preparations. The bugle would be sounded outside, ushering the men to wake up. The day began early, and the men's training ranged from marching to learning how to stab a man with a bayonet.

The long weeks had been grueling for Robert, but seeing the men's gradual improvement was enough to keep him going steady.

Seeing the soldiers go from a bunch of men who couldn't even march, to a respectable militia made Robert extremely proud. But he was relieved that he was to return home today.

He packed up his things, and eventually rode the train ride home.