Eastern District School

Chapter 15 - Good Friends

Rose met his eyes across the room, although her vision was blurred with the tears that clung there. Just one letter, and she was in this state? She wasn't sure if it was the words of Thomas, the possibility that Thomas was her grandfather or the way Rich read the letter with such passion.

"I wonder how long he had been out there when he wrote this." she said in a soft voice. "It clearly wasn't his first letter."

Rich sighed deeply. "One thing at a time. Can I read the next one to you?"

She nodded.

Rich straightened up in the chair, swapping his foot to the other leg before also swapping the letter in his hand, unfolding the letter, he began:

" ' September, 15th 1940

Dear Rose,

I am so happy to receive your letter. I am told that it can take many weeks if not months before letters are exchanged. So my love, I apologise now that you may not receive this letter for many months.

Your words I hear in your voice as I read. I close my eyes when I read that your family home was hit. I wish I was there to hold you, to protect you. To wipe away those tears that have hit the letter with your words on, your smudged writing only making my heart ache more. To keep you safe. I feel that I am failing my responsibilities as your future husband by not being with you at this disturbing time.

I am pleased to hear you are returning to Eastern District. I think you will be well cared for there. It sounds an amazing group that you are joining. I do recall you mentioning the stories of your childhood classes there. I hope the memories you find there and make there are ones that will build you up and will strengthen you.

It was wonderful to hear you were able to retrieve your camera. I recall your father's anger with your mother when she purchased it for your 18th birthday. In answer to your first question. I would love to have you send some photographs. I can clearly see you in my mind, developing these, although, I wonder where at the school you would have such a place to do so. The smile that your eyes will show as the dimple on your cheek shows clearly. I expect to see the best smiles you can give. For I know that my love is smiling when I look at these, it will strengthen this weary soul here.

Smile always for me, my love.

Always, your Thomas.' "

Rose was certain his voice wavered with the last few sentences. He took a few moments to compose himself before he lifted his head.

Rose was now sat cross-legged on the bed with a pillow on her lap that she appeared to be hugging. "Her parents were killed in the war?" she sounded horrified. "She couldn't have been that old! Is there any indication of how old either of them were?"

Rich shook his head. "No, we only have the date of the letter to go by. The address on the letter isn't Eastern District though. I assume this was her works address. I'm guessing she wrote to him before this, obviously telling him about her parents and giving him an address to reply back to her."

"That makes sense." she said. "What about the next one?"

He smiled then, "I knew you would be like this. Not taking a moment to take in many of the details, and just diving in. Well this next one, the envelope simply says 'Rose', there is no address, and...well...I'll read it..."

Rose straightened on the bed, hugging the pillow closer in anticipation of another moving letter read so well by him. 

This time when Rich adjusted himself, he sat upright in the chair, leaving both feet firmly on the floor.