Life in a letter

Departure

It was the 22nd of January, 2 days after my birthday. On the 12th I had received my letter. Even now I still have the same feeling of shock from when I opened it and read the words that would determine my near future. I sat there watching my parents emotionless as they slowly packed my bag. My mum had not stopped crying and my dad? Well, he shut down. I've never seen them this way before. Then again how often do your parents find out their child has been recruited for war. Especially in Vietnam, the most dangerous place to go at this time. We had been dreading the day I turned 18. I got up from the chair in my room and walked to the window. I've lived here my whole life, I couldn't imagine being anywhere else. I've never travelled, I've never been spontaneous enough to go on a road trip. I don't have a girlfriend. I don't have a pet. There are so many things that I should be allowed to have but now... they've taken my freedom away. I've only been a 'man' not for 2 days. I can only just start drinking legally!

I sighed and looked down at my hands. They were shaking. I've never been this terrified in my life. Who knows what will happen? Either I'm going to live or die. 9 years. 9 years they have me contracted to that region of the world. There are so many things I will miss out on. I closed my eyes and tried to shake those thoughts out of my head. I turned back around to look at my parents again.

"Mum?" I asked looking at her. She stopped and slowly looked at me. I could see the pain in her eyes. She was heartbroken. I walked over to her and wrapped her in my arms. She dropped my shirt she was holding on the ground and started sobbing again. We started rocking as dad picked up my shirt and closed my duffle bag. After he had moved it to the door he came to us and wrapped us in his arms. I looked over to him, "what do you say we get some take out and play our favourite game? Make a good memory to hold on to for my away." My parents both looked at me and smiled, agreeing to my decision.

...

It was 4:00am when my alarm went off. I had to be at the airport for 6:30. I hopped up and showered getting ready for my departure. Yesterday I received my uniform. This is what I needed to be wearing for the next 9 years of my life. It was green, grey and lifeless. Once I had everything ready, the time reading 4:48am I went down stairs for breakfast.

Dad was already up making me breakfast. "Good morning my boy, feeling like pancakes?" He asked in a soft tired tone. Seeing my dad like this for the first time is alien to me. He is usually a hard firm man. But now that man had slowly shrivelled down to this sad aged man I loved so dearly. "Yes please." I said as he put a plate in front of me with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. I thanked him and started to top my pancakes and eat them.

After a little while mum came down and sat next to me. Agreeing to dads choice of breakfast knowing it would be my last reasonable meal for a long time. She looked at me "I want you to know that your father and I are so proud of you. We always have and always will be no matter what happens." I smiled and thanked her. Putting the last piece of pancake in my mouth. Checking my watch it was time for us to go. Putting my plate in the dishwasher I ran upstairs to brush my teeth and get my bag.

"Ready son?" Dad asked collecting the keys. I nodded and walked towards him and out to the car. My nerves we're building.

...

I kept looking back as I walked down the plane terminal watching my parents fall apart as they gave their only son up into the governments control. Even though I was emotional, I didn't let that stop me from thinking of the positive things.

I sat down once I had found my seat. This was my first time on a plane and I was slightly nervous. I have heard many stories of planes going down, but I tried to put those thoughts out of my head and focus on the safety rules the flight attendants were demonstrating to us. We were landing in Thailand and staying there for 2 nights, then we will be taking the military bus to Vietnam. Once the plane had taken off, I lent my seat back and closed my eyes. Hopefully to get some sleep before we touchdown.

...

After landing, all the men dressed in military uniform were called together to be toured to our accommodation for the next two days. Looking around me I was quite relieved I was not the only one. Each of these men could potentially become my friend for our time away. I smiled at the thought of having company at least. We were all moved towards the bus. We all hopped on and awaited our arrival at the hotel. I was sat next to a man named Rick, he seems like a pretty nice bloke and had found out that he will be in the same regiment as me. He was my age, but turned 18 October last year.

...

Once I had entered my room I learnt my back on the door and sighed. This was going to be a long two days. I opened my eyes and looked around. It was a small room. The toilets and showers were communal, so I had just a bed and small kitchenette with a bit of tea and coffee and small cups of milk in the fridge. The windows view backed onto a busy street. The sound would be one I could never get used to. I dropped my bag and flopped onto the bed. Already I felt out of place, out of my comfort zone. I'd never wanted to hide more than I did now. I can't imagine what it will be like in Vietnam. With all of these thoughts running through my head, I felt myself slowly drifting off to sleep.

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AUTHORS NOTE

Hey guys! So have decided to write another story. This time of Gary. Omg he's amazing! So I have decided to write this story inspired by one of my all time favourite songs - 'Travelling soldier - Dixie Chicks'. If you haven't heard it or have forgotten, I suggest that if you would like to follow this story, listen to it and focus on the lyrics.

Thanks guys!! Love you all!! Hope you enjoy my story. Please Vote, and if you have any suggestions or comments please feel free to leave those too!💚💚