Life in a letter

Meeting her

The 1st day flew by quickly. There wasn't much to do here but I couldn't bring myself to doing anything anyway. I mostly stayed in my room only coming out to use the bathroom and a shower. In the morning I managed to go to the shop that conveniently was across the road, got myself some food just enough to last me until we leave.

It was now the night before I left. My nerves are slowly getting the better of me. I don't know how people do it, how can people go to war to fight, to kill. I just don't have it in me it's not like I have a choice in the matter. I haven't even been trained, I don't know what to do let alone how to even use a gun. I got a call from my mum this afternoon seeing how I was coping. I could tell that all the happiness in the family has drained out. We don't even know what to talk about.

I was staring up at the ceiling just thinking about what my life had come to. Then the thought of a girlfriend popped up in my mind. I've never really been good at that kind of thing. By nature I am quite shy, so putting myself out there to find a girlfriend was a touchy subject for me. But now lying here, I have realised how much more I'd give to talk to her right now. I never noticed how lonely I was. I bet all the guys I'm with right now have girlfriends they can talk to. Granted I have a family, However having a girlfriend that I loved would be something I could cherish whilst I'm gone.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when there was a knock at the door. Hopping up, I walked over to it and open the door. There stood a tall man with military clothes on and an interesting hat. I looked up at him "Hi" I said curiously.

"Gary Barlow?" He asked me, looking at me quizzically. I nodded. He handed me a note pad and lead pencils, "This is for your travels. See you tomorrow. Remember the Bus will be leaving at 5pm tomorrow afternoon" he said then walked off before I could respond. Walking back I closed the door looking at the package in my hand. Why would I need a pad and pencils? It's not like I have anyone to write to other than my parents. Placing it down on the kitchen bench I walked over to the bed and sat down. I seriously felt like depression was creeping at my door, just wanting to take over the last bit of happiness I had left. Looking at the clock, it was 9:30pm already. Deciding to go to bed, I took my clothes off and hopped under the covers. Turned off the light and staring off into the darkness thinking about what lies ahead tomorrow.

...

I was woken by my alarm at 7am. I sighed and hopped up to open the curtains. I've always wanted to come to Thailand, but absolutely never in these circumstances. Either with my family, friends or perhaps my girlfriend but never here forcefully to join the army. This was never an option. I knew I had to check out of my room at 9am. Why it was so early beats me. I quickly opened up my phone to see if there was any breakfast cafes around here. Luckily for me there is one just down the road which looked to be in a walkable distance. I decide to pack my things, get dressed and ready to leave for breakfast.

Once I had everything with me, I took my key to the reception and make my way in the direction of the cafe. "Local Cafe" I read the name of the shop as I was walking in. What a strange thing to call a shop. Then again I guess it is Thailand. I made my way in this quaint shop, and make myself at home on one of the comfy chairs there. I picked up the menu on the table to start reading it. I was in luck that under the Thai writing, English was available.

"S̄wạs̄dī s̄ìng thī̀ c̄hạn s̄āmārt̄h dị̂ rạb khuṇ?" I heard and looked up.

"Erm, sorry I don't... speak Thai" I hesitated as I looked up. It was a older lady that looked like she could be the owner of the cafe. Her black attire was covered with an apron. Covered with flour and possibly milk? I don't nor did I want to know. But I had no idea how to communicate to her. She looked at me uncertain and nodded. She smiled before walking away. I looked back to the menu still deciding if I wanted to have the toasted sandwich or the omelette.

"Hello, I heard you speak english, what can I get for you today sir?" I heard a voice. I looked up and was shocked. Half because I didn't expect to be speaking to someone in english, but also because she was an angel. It took me a while to be able to answer back. I shook myself out of my gaze "erm, hi yes can I please get theeeeee... toasted sandwich please" I said looking back up to her shyly. She smiled which made me relax slightly. "Sure, would you like it with tomato and avocado or just ham and cheese?" She asked writing in her note pad. "With tomato and avocado please." She nodded "and a drink for you sir?" I thought for a moment "can I have a skinny flat white" I said finishing my order. "Of course" she said and walked away. I let out a breath I had no idea I was holding. I thought about what I said, gee I hope I didn't make a fool of myself. I've never been able to be a normal person around beautiful women. I watched her as she communicated to the staff in the back. By the sounds of her accent, she might be Australian. I wonder what brought her here to Thailand? She obviously lives here if she works here. How long has she been here? For some reason I just wanted to know what a girl like her is doing living in a place like this.

I watched as she came over to me with a mug "your breakfast is just another 5 minutes away" she spoke with a smile as she placed the cup on the table. "That's no problem thank you" I said softly, giving her a small smile. I wanted to know her name. Again I watched her walk away. She wasn't very skinny, she was curvy and beautiful. She looked confident and to me that is attractive. But she was a sight to see. "Here you are" She said once again putting the plate down in front of me. "Thank you again." I spoke looking up at her. She smiled "your welcome" she said just about to walk off. I took a breath and gathered my confidence "Wait" I said softly causing her to stop and turn back around. "Was there something else you would like?" She asked raising her eyebrows. "Well no, but I erm I-I just wanted to know if you would mind sitting with me? I know it's a strange request but I have to leave soon and I-I could do with a bit o-of company." I stayed shyly as I looked at her and everywhere else.

She looked down at her watch and smiled at me warmly "my shift finishes in an hour then if you want we can go somewhere. I know the perfect place" she said then walked away to serve another couple who just walked in. I looked down at my food, I felt the smile on my face grow knowing the next few hours would be ones I would remember for the next 9 years.