Abandoned

Abandoned (Part One - Chapter 9)

CHAPTER 9: The Letter Continues ...... (Your review here)

"Eleni, I left the monastery about five days ago. The monks had gone to fill their containers with water. I'll always remember and love those gentle souls. Somehow they all knew I was leaving. Suryavarman even had the monks leave me extra food and a small knapsack containing everything I had with me when they first found me. Rama had even left a little note saying goodbye.

I left that morning. As I traveled I prayed constantly. I even chanted Hare Krishna. At other times, I said the Jesus Prayer. After all it had saved me once before: 'Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.'

A few days ago I stumbled upon an Air Force bomber that had crashed a few years ago. At least, what is left of it.

When I explored the wreckage I found the bodies of six crewmen. They must have all died instantly. Nothing seemed disturbed and I tried to leave everything the way I found it.

Inside the plane I discovered several things that I'm going to take. Best of all I took one of the rubber lifeboats from the bomber. I also found a pistol and some ammunition. I guess I'll bring that along, too, but I don't feel like killing anyone. There are also some tins of dry crackers. Right now I am eating the food from the monastery. The monks had shown me how to find food in the jungle that grows naturally. So food is not a concern.

Eleni, today and tomorrow I am going to make a copy of this letter and bury it with one of my dog tags, along with the dog tags of the three men that were killed when we were attacked. The other copy I am going to keep with me and hopefully give it to you in person.

I have no idea what has happened to this war. Maybe the North finally surrendered. We were hitting them pretty hard. All I know is that I haven't heard any fighting or aircraft for over a year.

I think I will find a river soon. Now that I have a lifeboat I will be able to float down it and get out of here. Anyhow, this is my plan.

Eleni, I guess I have told you everything. As I said, I am not afraid, not even of dying. My life seems to have deepened and taken on new meaning. I love you so much. I think of you and Maria every day. You are both in my prayers.

Please give my love to my mother and father, and to your parents, and to everyone I miss so much. If for some reason I don't make it out of here, at least the other letter will be buried for safe keeping. Someday, someone may find it. But of course I am going to make it out of here and having said this, with all my love, let me say, goodbye. ​Your loving husband, Nickolas.

* * * * * * * *

Late in the afternoon of the following day, Nick finished making the copy of his letter. Inside the bomber, strewn on the metal floor, he found several map tubes. Since one was much shorter, he grabbed it. Outside he used a survival shovel from the bomber to dig a deep hole. The monkeys watched him place a pile of rocks over the spot.

Two days after that, Nickolas spotted the river he had been looking for. But his troubles were far from over.

* * * * * * * *

(back to present time)

The next morning came much too early for Major Sutton. He had slept late. They had accomplished their mission. But for the other men their curiosity was overwhelming. Even Lt. Ngo wanted to know what they had found. They all kept watching Sutton's tent for any movement.

When Sutton finally unzipped his door he was glad to see his friends. Scott handed him a cup of coffee. Blake handed him a bowl of hot cereal. Sutton felt hungry. In his left hand he held the metal tube. He would have to tell them about Nick. Of course he would. But other matters were better left unsaid. What would be the point?

"Blake, thanks for the cereal. Men, I have got something to tell you."

- End of Part One -

Thank you for reading my book. Please leave a comment and I will add it as a review. Now I hope you enjoy part two just as much. Ronald E. Boutelle 12/9/2019, Canyon Lake, Texas