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     .* O . .   ..   ..O  ..    345            24 Apr 2001             ) ( ')
   .*   O O* o o  o o  o o  o                                         (  / )
  *  ***O O  O O  O O  O O  O                                          \( _)|
 *      O o  o.*..o.*..o.*..o. .net         "The Last Letter"               *
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       *    /,`.-'`'    -.  ;-;;,_                                          *
      *    |,4-  ) )-,_..;\ (  `'-'            by Jive 320                  *
      *   '---''(_/--'  `-'\_)                                      *mE0w*  o
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         'Anada is cat-friendly..o*`       

        I crept up the wooden staircase.  Each step caused a loud creek that
 could wake the dead.  The mist of dust and the smell of old wood and mold
 filled the air.  The only light was the tiny square foot window at the end
 of the room.  The ceiling of the attic slanted downwards, making it hard to
 maneuver through.  I scanned the area when the cool feeling left me as the
 clouds outside moved.  The shadows shifted as the warm sun came through the
 window.  Again I looked and found it.  Near the very back and in the corner,
 wedged under the ceiling, was a small chest.  Like the shadows that shifted,
 I quickly ran to it.  I whipped out a small hammer from my pocket and took
 care of the lock.  I craned my head around once more before caressing and
 opening the chest.

        Inside were plethoras of letters.  A light aroma of worn perfume lay
 inside as well.  I quickly reached for the top one.  On it, small hearts
 were drawn about it.  The seal of the envelope had already been opened, so I
 reached in to grab the letter.

 ---------------------------

 My Dearest Abigail,

        I miss you so much.  Today we started basic training.  It was rough,
 but you know I'll always come through.  As you know, I'm not just protecting
 my country, I'm protecting you as well.

        I miss you.  So how's your garden?  The weather?  Is my mother still
 in a fit over me leaving?  If so, just tell her that I love her and nothing
 can possibly happen.  Tell her I'm still her little trooper.  Also please
 tell father I hope he's proud.  Also tell him that I had flag duty tonight
 so I'll bring him home one.

        I miss you.  I still have that night in my head, even though it was
 weeks ago.  I just wish I was still holding your hand and kissing your lips
 right now.

 Love,
 Davey
 xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
 PS, did I say I missed you?

 ---------------------------

        I smiled and placed the letter beside the chest.  I reached downwards
 and pulled out another letter towards the bottom.  It was too decorated and
 preopened.  I quickly pulled out the letter.

 ---------------------------

 My Lovely Abigail,

        Inside this letter is a flower.  I told you that I would run the
 world to bring you all of the most magnificent flowers.  Well here's a
 start.

        So mother is still mad at me then.  Well please comfort her.  Also I
 don't want you to tell her we're moving out tomorrow.  It would scare her to
 death.  Don't tell my father either.  He may be proud of me put he may tell
 mother.

        I still miss you.  The curves of your face.  Those pale eyes.  Those
 wide all seeing pupils.  Your lovely face.  I miss your sweet voice and
 those tender lips from which it comes.  It makes me wish I wasn't so scared
 of losing you if I don't make it.  I can just see your face right now.

 Love,
 Davey
 xoxoxoxoxoxox
 PS Don't mention that last part too mother either

 ---------------------------

        I placed this letter on top of the other.  I reached in once more to
 find the last letter.  Though it was opened, I was surprised to find no
 heart sketches.  Even the address was typed on to the envelope.  I looked
 inside to find the sorrowful letter.

 ---------------------------

 To the family of David Burns:

        We are sorry to inform you that your son has been killed.  He died
 valiantly in action, trying to save his fellow members of his company.
 Unfortunately a stray bullet laid him to rest.  Because of his efforts we
 shall miss him.  He shall always be remembered.

 Sincerely,
 Lieutenant Gray

 PS:  His last words were a request.  David wanted to tell you, Mrs. Burns,
      that he is okay.  He is in a better place.  And Abigail, he's sorry.
      He loves you.

        .................................................................. 
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 ( o.o )  (c) Anada e'zine                           anada345  by Jive 320  o
  > ^ <                                                                     o
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