MON LIVRE

Joining

December 5th, 1875

Today was a whirlwind of emotions as I arrived at the training camp for the army. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as men around me stood tall, their faces set with determination. We lined up to be measured—height, weight, and other specifications—like cattle at market. Each of us was being assessed for our suitability, and the officers moved among us, marking down our details with stern expressions.

When it was finally my turn, I stood straight and held my breath as they recorded my measurements. After what felt like an eternity, the sergeant looked at me and grinned. “You’re perfect for this, lad. Strong build and good height,” he said, handing me a form to fill out for my application. The benefits they outlined for joining were generous: food supplies for my family based on the number of members, access to medical services, education for the boys, and monthly allowances to support the household. It was a golden opportunity—one I knew I couldn’t pass up.

Without a second thought, I filled out the application, my heart racing with excitement and pride at the thought of being able to provide for my family in such a meaningful way. But as I walked back to my room afterward, a wave of sadness washed over me. This was the path I had chosen, and soon, I would leave my family behind to train and eventually be deployed. My heart ached at the thought of being away from them, especially during this time of year, when the cold winds whispered of winter festivities and family gatherings.

I thought of my brothers and my father, who had always relied on me. This was a sacrifice, and while I believed in the worth of this decision, a small voice inside me whispered doubts about being away from the warmth of home. I felt like I was caught in a bittersweet tide, where duty and longing clashed.

As I sat in the park this afternoon, surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves and the laughter of children, I couldn’t shake the heaviness that settled in my chest. Fiona lay beside me, her fluffy body soaking up the sun, blissfully unaware of the emotional turmoil swirling in my mind. I found comfort in her presence, her rhythmic breathing reminding me to breathe deeply and appreciate this moment.

Today, I decided to take a break from my studies and immerse myself in Marchel’s latest entry. As I read about his experience at the training camp, my heart sank at the thought of him leaving his family. The reality of his decision weighed heavily on me; he was stepping into a world of uncertainty, while I had chosen a path that distanced me from mine.

“Why does it have to be so hard?” I whispered to Fiona, scratching her behind the ears as she opened one eye lazily to gaze up at me. I felt a pang of empathy for Marchel. I knew too well what it felt like to leave home in pursuit of something greater—my journey to study here had not been easy, either. I had left behind my family, but at least my brother had come along, even if his visits were infrequent.

I picked up my journal and began to write, reflecting on my own journey while connecting with Marchel’s:

Dear Marchel,

Reading your latest entry has stirred so many emotions within me. It’s clear that you have made a brave decision to join the army, one that comes with both promise and sacrifice. I can only imagine how difficult it must be to leave your family behind, knowing that you are stepping into the unknown. It takes great courage to do what you are doing, and I admire you for it.

It’s funny how we find ourselves in similar situations despite living in such different times and places. I’ve come a long way to study here, leaving my family behind. It was hard for me too, and at times, I wished I could just be back home, wrapped in the familiarity of my life. But we both know that sometimes we must take those steps forward, even when our hearts long for the past.

I truly hope that your time in the army is filled with memorable experiences and that you come back home safe. You deserve to enjoy every moment of this adventure, even if it means being away from your loved ones. And just like you, I hope to find joy in my pursuits and learn from the challenges along the way.

Please take care of yourself, and know that there’s someone out here thinking of you, cheering you on from afar. I hope to hear about your experiences soon, and may they bring you strength and wisdom.

Warm wishes,

Your curious friend

I closed my journal with a sigh, a bittersweet feeling swelling in my chest. I hoped my words would somehow reach him, bridging the gap between our worlds. As I looked down at Fiona, curled up and content in the sunlight, I thought about how both of us were embarking on journeys that would shape our futures. Whatever lay ahead, I knew we had each other’s stories, woven through the pages of our diaries—a beautiful connection that time and distance couldn’t sever.

AN: Hey, Thank you for reading. If you find any mistakes please do let me know. Comment your thoughts.