Come Home

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    I'll admit it. I visit you every day. Your house seems like it is beginning to wear down. Should I get someone to fix it for you? You only deserve the best. I promise. You missed mom's birthday again. It's okay. She excused you again because you need to be somewhere else every year. She misses you dearly though. Dad doesn't talk about you much anymore. He said that we shouldn't dwell too much on the past. I can't help it. You are my brother. My family.
    I got a new job today. I work for the new bookstore downtown. You should see the collection they have. You were the reason I started reading. Now I can't seem to stop. The old lady who owns the shop knows you. It is Mrs. Trevalla. She said she remembers when you were just a little kid. You used to go by her house and drink lemonade while eating her freshly baked goods. Do you remember that?
    Christmas is coming up soon. The snow keeps falling on our town. Will you be busy again? Grandpa will be there, but not Grandma. She passed away a few months ago. Grandpa seems okay. He claims it was her time to go to Heaven. Dad misses her. He remembers when she would always make a joke with you about finding a girlfriend. We would all tease you about it until you were embarrassed. It's okay it you don't want to be teased any longer. Mom and dad don't feel like making that joke anymore.
    I wish you would come home. We all miss you. You looked so brave when you left. You sent us pictures and letters. Afghanistan was a rough place for you to be, wasn't it? It seemed that way when you didn't come home for any of the holidays. Mom knew it was especially rough when a man in a uniform like yours dropped off the symbol of liberty and freedom. She cried harder than I've ever seen her cry before. Dad broke his favorite mug because he dropped it out of shock. Me? I ran. I wouldn't stop running until I couldn't feel my legs anymore. Why won't you come home? It isn't fair.
    I promise I'll fix your permanent house. The letters are beginning to fade and moss is growing on it. The flowers mom left for you last week are beginning to wilt. I'll get you some new ones soon. We miss you. Please come home, my brother in arms.

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