The letters came almost every week...
Dear June, December 9, 1955
I read your letter eight times before I finally set it down to write back. It hangs on the wall above my cot. Most of the other men here are married and some with children. The rest of us are going with someone or single. I don't know what I am yet. It's up to you... Would you mind sending me a picture of you? I want to show the guys just how beautiful you are. I drove a plane today! I had to practice because I'll be driving a lot now. June, I need you to do something for me...My grandmother, she's not doing too good. I need you to go see her and my baby sister. She's only a year and a half old. They live on 425 Walnut River Rd. I'll explain everything later. Just explain who you are and they'll accept you. Promise me you'll dream of me tonight. Goodnight, baby.
Forever yours,
PVT. Gabriel Reiling
Dear Gabriel, December 14, 1955
Your grandmother told me about your mother's illness. I didn't ask about your father. I am to go get your sister on Thursdays when your grandmother has her weekly doctor's appointments. The housemaid told me to come over whenever I could. I couldn't belive your sister's name was Dylan! What a name! It's unique just like her though. Today I'm going to the store to get presents for everyone. I think I might get your grandmother a new scarf and Dylan a new baby doll. The thing about going with you...I'd like that...when you get home of course. Consider us a couple for now, though! Sometimes at the cafe, I dream about you coming in and sitting down at the booth...I wish you could. I'll be seeing you.
Love Always,
June Hartman
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Dear June, December 20, 1955
I appreciate your kindness towards my grandmother and Dylan. I wish I could be at home with you. How is it that two fall for each other when we only saw each other for a day? You know we're crazy? I loved the picture by the way. It's hanging with the letters above my army cot. Don't worry about a thing, but I won't be able to write for a while. I won't get to say it in time, but Merry Christmas, June. This letter has to be short but I'll get your next letter. Goodnight, baby.
Forever yours,
PVT. Gabriel Reiling
Dear Gabriel, December 25, 1955
Merry Christmas! It's Sunday but we aren't going to church today. Mother let Dylan and your grandmother come over today so Dylan is sitting in my lap while I write this. We're having a feast I tell you not! The housemaids Delilah, Mrs. Mary, and Mrs. Sylvia(your housemaid) cooked up turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, squash casserole, and sweet potatoes! They are gracious to be here and I want to treat them right for that. Dylan is going to go to shopping with me today. I got her a new coat and little booties for her soft little feet. She's having trouble walking right but she's progressing well. I hope you had a great christmas, Gabriel. Keep safe!
Love Always,
June Hartman
YOU ARE READING
Traveling Soldier
Teen FictionJune Hartman never thought she would meet the love of her life one day while she was working in the local diner. Gabriel Reiling was ready to leave for Vietnam and needed somebody to send letters to. Like any girl who was dating an American soldier...
