Letters in the Dark

The Distance Between Us

Dustin had just arrived in Europe with hundreds of other men that were going to be serving their country protecting the ones they love at home while being far away. He pulled out the picture that he had in his pocket by his heart, it was a picture of Mia the girl of his dreams that he had to leave behind. They were going to be apart for months maybe even years and he had to find a way to communicate with her. He knew he made sure to leave the address for her to be able to reach me. Once he reached the barracks and got use to his surroundings he made his way to his things and grabbed a piece of paper and pen and started to write a letter to Mia. He wanted to let her know everything that he was able to tell her and to keep her in his thoughts when ever he could. He hoped by getting letters as much as she could that it would feel like he was there with her. Writing about the travel to get here and everything that he was able to see on the drive to the barracks. He wrote it all down, not wanting to leave one thing out. After some time he finished the letter and made his way over to the mail tent to get it out for it to arrive as soon as it could. 

----MIA----

Mia just graduate from high school and just had to say good bye to her best friend and boyfriend. She knew it wouldn't be easy with them being miles and miles apart but she wasn't going to give up on them she was going to write a letter every day so that Dustin would feel like he was with her and not missing anything. She made sure to put the address that Dustin gave her in a safe spot that she wouldn't forget and it wouldn't be ruined. Knowing that it could be months before she would see a reply she knew keeping busy would make the time pass. It had been two weeks since Dustin left and there wasn't much word from him since he landed and called his mother to have her let everyone know he arrived. She had mailed out five letters already to let him know what happened during those days, it did take her a few days before writing a letter. 

Mia was just getting home from shopping with her friends and enjoying the summer day when the phone started to ring. She wasn't expecting a phone call and didn't rush to answer the phone. She knew her mother was home and would answer the phone before she got to it anyways. Within the second of thinking that the phone stopped ringing and she heard her mother talking. 

"Mia , are you home sweetie?"

"Yes mom, I just got home."

"The phone is for you." She was wondering who it could be because she just left Jessica and Abby and didn't think they would be calling her. She made her way to the kitchen where the phone was on the wall. Once she was there she took the phone from her mother and watched her walk out of the room.

"Hello.?" She had a question on the end of it because she wasn't sure who could be on the other end.

"Mia, it is so good to hear your voice." It was Dustin. How could it be Dustin? She didn't think he would be able to call her anytime.

"Dustin, how are you able to talk to me?"

"We came into a small town that had phones. I took my break to come and call you. I wanted to her your voice. I have missed you but seeing your picture and writing you letters has kept me going."

"Oh Dustin, I have missed you too. I have written a letter every day. It did take me awhile to start writing but I want you to feel like you are here."

"Thanks baby. I know this will be hard but I am hoping the time goes by fast and in the end we will be together. Between letters to each other and the rare phone calls it will keep us going." 

Mia held in her tears she didn't want him to hear her crying. She didn't want to waste words with him trying to calm her because she didn't know when she would hear his voice again. She knew it would be hard but she knew that if any two people could make through these tough times it would be her and Dustin. They had trust and faith in each other and writing each other would help.

"You are right. I will send so many letters that you get sick of it."

"I will never get sick of hearing from you. Send as many letters as you can. I have to go now. I will try to call again soon. I love you."

"I love you too." Before she could say anything else the phone was cut off. 

----DUSTIN----

Dustin looked at the phone hearing the disconnection. The lines were cut and he didn't know when he would hear from her again. He knew that their relationship was going to face some tough times but he had to hope that they would make it out on the other end. Letters and the occasional phone call would have to give us the push we need to make it the long haul. Dustin knew it was going to be long but he was looking forward to the phone calls and letters he would get from his love.