Stay safe.
J
Laughter bubbles up from my gut. Hands down, this has to be the worst letter I’ve ever read, and the best all at once. She’s so fucking honest, and awkward and aware. She’s the kind of girl I’d like to know back home.
She’s refreshing.
I’m definitely writing her back after patrol.
“Good letter, Cap?” Wilkes asks. I hadn’t been aware he was watching me as I read it.
“You ever get an anonymous letter Wilkes?” I ask the young man.
“A couple. Mostly from girls my folks know.”
“I just read my first one,” I tell him.
“Your first? No way.” He’s astonished.
“Well, the first I’ve ever opened.”
“Wow,” he mutters walking away.
Wow indeed, I think to myself. Gazing back down at the short letter, anticipation lights my fire for the first time in years. I look forward to getting to know this girl.
Chapter Two
Jersey
“But Miss G,” my student Tommy draws out my name on a huge whine, and I have to fight not to roll my eyes.
“But nothing Tommy. You know better than to be throwing things in my classroom,” I scold the young boy. It’s the worst part of my job really.
“Cassie threw it first,” he defended.
“And she’ll be getting in trouble too. For now, you’ll sit in the office with your school work until your mother gets here.” He visibly quivered at the mention of his parent.
For some reason I couldn’t figure out why he’d been acting out for weeks. I hated punishing him when he obviously needed more than I could give him.
After getting him settled in the quiet room I stopped by the guidance counselor’s office and asked her to have a word with him. Find out if anything was wrong at home.
The rest of the day was uneventful, which for third grade that’s always a good thing. The horror stories I could tell from some of the things these kids did to each other.
Well let’s just say they made me worry for humanity in the future if they didn’t straighten out.
Pulling into my drive, I almost don’t check my mailbox. It’s been three weeks since I mailed the letter to Captain and I still hadn’t heard back. I’ve been strangely disappointed about it too, which is ridiculous.
Figuring one last shot I check the box and see three envelopes mixed in with a bunch of junk. Unlocking the front door, I toss my keys and bags on the side table as I sift through the mail.
Bill.
Bill.
Crappy flyer.
More crappy flyers.
J. Gunner.