My recovery from the brutal beating that I took progressed quite quickly and I was back out in the field within a couple of days. I had been writing Ashley almost everyday. I knew that the letters wouldn’t reach her as soon as I wrote them but at least she would have a new surprise waiting for her everyday in the mailbox. Private Elizabeth Martinez and I had become close since the first day that I met her. Despite the one bitchy episode I had with her, she was an all around great young woman.

“Mail call!”

I stood up from my bunk, anxiously awaiting a letter. Private Russell passed out the letters and I couldn’t help but to be disappointed.

“Carlin! You got an overnight package.” She threw the manila envelope at me.

The package was heavy. I looked down to see if it was from my parents. But just like always, it wasn’t. It was from Ashley. I rapidly tore into it like my life depended on it. As I peaked inside I noticed that there was a letter, some pictures, and a c.d.  I pulled out the letter.

Dear Spence,

            I decided to overnight this package because I wanted you to have it as soon as possible. Inside you’ll find that it’s just not a normal letter. I took some pictures for you. I took a couple of the beautiful California sun setting on the ocean. I figured that you’d like to be reminded of what you’ll be coming home to. I also took some pics of myself, Aiden, and Madison (By the way, they both say hi.). I also sent you a c.d. Now before you read the rest of this letter you have to listen to it. You’ll understand what I mean when you turn on the first track and listen.

Automatically I grabbed the portable c.d. player that I had bought while in Afghanistan. (I couldn’t stand not listening to music anymore.) The music began and then I heard Ashley’s voice begin to fill my ears.

A hundred days have made me older since the last time I saw your pretty face.
A thousand lies have made me colder and I don’t think I can look at this the same.
But all the miles that separate.
Disappeared but I still see your lovely face.
I’m here without you baby.
But you’re still on my lonely mind.
I think about you baby, and I dream about you all the time.
I’m here without you baby, but you’re still with me in my dreams.
And tonight, it’s only you and me.