053. Earth
Title: Dear Karen, dear Adam
Fandom: Captain Scarlet
Characters: Blue & Symphony (others mentioned)
Prompt: 053. Earth.
Word Count: 3, 211
Rating: PG
Summary: During their season apart they write to each other.
Author's Notes: Written using the prompts (table 10C) from 10_letters. The idea of their time apart is inspired by Marion’s story A chapter of accidents.
001 Colour
Karen,
This place is exactly as I remember it; as you would too, if you were here.
It was the colours that featured most strongly in my memory; the vast bowl of sky, firey reds of the rocks, cool official grey concrete of the base rising up from the landscape.
Actually, I must admit, it isn’t quite the same; the colours aren’t as bright.
Perhaps the scorching sun is bleaching them. It’s summer here, and winter where you are. That feels so wrong, a constant reminder of the time and distance between us.
Maybe it’s just an illusion then; merely that life feels dull without you and the first bloom of our love.
I know you feel angry that we are apart, and that you won’t understand why I’m not.
Perhaps one day I can explain. But not right now; because the girls, our budding Angel pilots, have just arrived and are expecting my attention.
They’re so bright, young, confident and hopeful. Were we like that once? It seems a lifetime ago.
I’m sorry this will only be a short missive; but I wanted you to have something. A tangible message from me to you; after all you can’t reread a phone call.
What do you think, shall I send more?
I miss you already,
Adam
002 Cry
Adam,
Please, do send more letters.
Being honest, because we should be, your letter did make me cry; but then right now everything that reminds me of you and that you’re gone is doing that to me. It’s comforting though, in a weird way. To know that you’re still thinking of me, and taking time out to write.
I told Dianne you wrote me. I didn’t show her the letter, that would be too personal, just mentioned it. She saw it in my in tray anyway. She said it was really romantic; but you know Di. Paul went on a mission and came back safe, so she was all loved up and happy about that. Which yeah made me sad again, but she doesn’t know. It seems selfish to rain on her parade.
So it looks like I’ll just rant to you, like always. You don’t mind, right?
Anyway I do think Di is right. It is more intimate and long lasting than a phone call or email. I’m gonna try and write you once a week, at the very least.
I love you too, I miss you, come home soon.
Yours faithfully (is that the right phrase?)
Karen
003 Imagination
Karen,
Regarding your last letter; technically it should be ‘yours sincerely’ (‘yours faithfully’ being appropriate for correspondence with someone you don’t know). However I doubt we need to trouble ourselves with such formalities.
In a way faithfully is more fitting in these circumstances. To be writing to each other, sharing our feelings, and of course being true to each other and the relationship we have.
You hear so many times of absence not making the heart fonder, or rather certainly other body parts in need of gratification, and of the sadness which ensues. Which is such a shame.
That in part is how I can rationalise us being apart. This is a test of our conviction and love, which we shall triumph over.
Am I over romanticising this?
Anyway, to the crux of the matter; indeed I do have some leave coming up, which it is perfectly possible to coincide with yours.
The thought of it makes me happier than I have been since arriving here, to finally have a light at the end of this barren stretch. To see you again, if only for a short while.
It’s odd; if I do try to call details to mind; the exact green of your eyes, the curve of your waist beneath my hand, the symphony of your laugh (sorry, that was cheesy) I struggle and it is endlessly frustrating. Yet I can picture you so clearly as if you are standing beside me as I write this. And the same goes for at night, those long lonely nights.
Elaboration of our proposed itinerary is not required is it? We’ve always been in agreement on such vital matters.
Yours, in efforts to make pedantic sexy.
Adam
004 Nightmare
Adam,
I’m sorry this letter isn’t going to happy or thoughtful like the other ones; but I need to talk to someone and you’re the only one I can think who’d understand and say the right thing.
There was a fault, in one of the hangars, they’re still checking it out for sabotage. It was just as the guys came back from a mission, getting off the plane, an explosion.
Hours later everyone is walking around so dazed, like the earth is spinning so fast beneath us.
I’m fine, physically, before you get to worrying. Mentally, that’s a whole other story. I’ve never seen anything like this, to have danger and uncertainty brought so sharply close to home. And to not have you here to set us all right makes it even harder.
I’m sure my handwriting is just awful, for that I apologise. Rick’s asleep curled around me as I sit here, Fawn had to give him a sedative and he needs to be close to someone right now.
He carried Mag all the way to the sickbay; she was unconscious, bleeding from a head wound.
That was the first I knew what had happened, seeing him running through the corridors with her in his arms. Then he just collapsed. Half the blood on his clothes was actually his, it was just the adrenalin that saw him through. Even as the medics took him away he was arguing, saying he was going back for Pat. I guess half the reason he’d left was for help, because he couldn’t have carried him alone.
Reading this back I can’t believe he did it; how strong and selfless you’d have to be. To have to make that choice of who to save. But then you’re all heroes in those ways.
By the time I got to the hangar there was blood everywhere, lights and sirens blaring, the whole place filled with smoke and tangled metal. They’d managed to get Pat out. He wasn’t even breathing then. But he’s hooked up to the machine now; Fawn says he’ll make it.
Paul was helping, some how he’d managed to walk away with almost no injuries and even those were healing as we worked.
I know it’s stupid and irrational, but I was so angry about that. He’s the one who’s indestructible; if anyone was going to take the brunt of it then it should have been him. He can bounce back, but if Pat dies then that’s it for him.
Every one of us angels and captains who can are in the sickbay, even the ones who aren’t injured. I guess on some level we all just need to be together. If I listen I can hear the bleeps of the machine next door as it keeps Pat alive.
Rick’s crying and whimpering in his sleep. He’s having nightmares and it kills me that I can’t make it all better.
I don’t think any of us are going to sleep much tonight.
Yours, with a heavy heart
Karen
005 Parents
Dear Karen,
I read your letter over and over, trying to comprehend what happened. It shook us up here too, but obviously that’s nothing compared to actually experiencing it. It’s a relief to know everyone is recovering well and rallying together for support.
Your Mom called, it was great to hear from her, she sounds really thrilled to have a family gathering for Thanksgiving. It makes a pleasant change from my family.
Apparently Mom and Dad are having a trial separation.
Great timing, huh?
I don’t know a whole lot more than that; as my brother and sister aren’t speaking to me for their own reasons, and Cal’s away at Harvard so he isn’t getting the full story either.
It’s absurd really, because with the way things have been with Dad a part of me has imagined this scenario and thought it would be a good thing. But now it’s in motion, and the novelty has soured.
Mom is trying to be strong about it, but ended up calling me at some crazy time here and crying. It brings home that you’re a grown up when you have to take care of your parents.
Dad isn’t responding to calls or emails; guess he already thinks I’ve sided with Mom. Actually I was going to stay neutral, but if he wants to play it like that then so be it.
These kind of things make you realise how short life is, that we get so few chances at happiness. Half of all marriages end in divorce, and the other half in death. It’s a grim thought, makes you wonder why anyone falls in love.
But then we both know you can’t choose, and that it’s foolish to pass on a chance of happiness.
Perhaps my parents will reconcile, and we can all go back to our image of American dream gone right. They had problems before, but came through it and ended up having Cal.
I know they’re adults, have a right to their own lives and happiness, but they’re my parents. You just expect for things to be stable, for them to be a unit and hold the family together.
I miss being young, things felt easier then.
Yours, wondering if he’s too old to be adopted.
Adam
006 Rain
Adam,
Well it’s thanksgiving yet again. Our first one apart since I swore to myself that we would be together forever, which is kinda ironic really. Just shows how life changes when you don’t expect it.
Which reminds me, I called your Mom. She’s doing better, holed up in the Berkshires. She never mentioned your dad and I wasn’t gonna ask.
So like you do this time of year, I’ve been thinking about all the stuff I’m thankful for. And the foremost thing is that I’m grateful for you. For who you are, everything we have together, and all that other stuff I could never explain but hope you know already. That even though we’re miles apart we can still feel so loved and connected.
I know they don’t have thanksgiving in Australia, but I’m glad you and the other America personnel will be able to celebrate. There’s no way you can have as much food as Mom has made; even though it’s just the four of us. Yes Charles (damn it feels weird calling the old man that) did come along. Which actually has been really great. You can see how great him and Mom are together, that they make each other so happy. And I realised, that’s what we have. So y’know it would be totally wrong to have a problem with it. I really hope that they can have a great life together.
Eve says hi. It’s so weird having a little sister, even though I always wanted one; I might never get used to it. But I’m thankful to have her, for her to have a second chance at a family. I just wish it didn’t take so much heart ache to bring us together.
I’m also super grateful for all our friends, they’re like family too. We’ve been emailing back and forth all day. Rick says he’s going to be heading out to your place for some training stuff. Guess it’ll be nice to see a familiar face. He asked me what he could bring back for me, then interrupted that his case wouldn’t be big enough to smuggle you in. Am I so predictable?
(For the record; I asked for tim-tams. Which was my second choice.)
It’s raining here in Iowa, and in a way I’m thankful for that too. Feeling it on my face makes me feel so alive and that the world is as it should be. The fact that it reminds me of those times it’s rained on vacation and we just stay inside making our own amusement is a nice bonus.
Yours, brimming with love and gratitude
Karen
007 Smut
Karen,
Yes, the ochre had landed; bringing early Christmas cheer and raising the tone of the place as only he can. Though curiously he has yet to reciprocate the apprentice angels’ attentions beyond platonic cordiality; perhaps he has other interests.
As you no doubt instructed he ‘sends your love’, he did offer to give a demonstration but I passed.
It made me miss home, Cloudbase, even more to have him here. Which is no reflection on Rick’s company; it’s simply that he has all this gossip to tell and it makes me feel a stranger not to have seen or heard this things first hand (though in the case of Green’s amorous neighbours that is perhaps a relief).
You probably also know that Pat accompanied him, to make upgrades to the software here, and it was such a relief seeing that he has recovered from that terrible ordeal you all faced.
I say this to preface the story I am about to relay; because I thought you would enjoy it, and welcome a break from my romanticism.
In addition to training the apprentice angels, I have been giving a series of lectures to the other recruits at Koala base. The response seems to be neutral; but colonel would say, this is a spectrum base not a funfair.
Not being required to listen to my ramblings Rick has taken to wandering through the auditorium checking that the cadets are dutifully paying attention and taking notes. It appeases his law enforcement instincts.
So it was during one of his rambles he noticed a certain cadet seemed rather distracted, then as he approached I noticed out of the corner of my eye a female head bob up from in front of said cadet’s seat. It didn’t take WGPC training to figure out how they were passing the time.
Having, perhaps understandably, met some resistance to the suggestion of cease and desist; the shame faced young lady was dispatched to her seat. And the gentleman escorted from the auditorium; with his pants down, literally.
I am deeply impressed that Ochre managed to keep a straight face during the incident. I am required to attend a discipline hearing for the cadet and the young lady who is indeed one of the apprentice angels. I’m not sure if I will maintain composure.
So there you are, the latest dispatch of gossip from my end. I would prefer to tell you in person, but this will have to do.
Yours, rather amused.
Adam
008 Who?
Adam,
I cannot believe your last letter!
Guess all the hot sun and crazy hormones are going to their heads. Umm as it were.
Anyway inquiring minds are desperate to know the whole story, like who is this brazen hussy of a cherub* who will be joining our ranks? (*that’s what we’re unofficially calling them, neat name, don’t you think?)
But of course I know you won’t tell; you’re too decent a guy to blab sordid details like that. You’re probably thinking everyone should have a fair chance to prove themselves in Spectrum without a reputation already hanging over them.
Which is noble, really, and I like that about you.
So don’t worry, I won’t put that on you. I’ll just ask Rick himself (kidding, kinda).
Anyway the big news here is Fawn has a girlfriend, yeah really. Paul noticed he had a blatant hickey and lipstick on his collar (Sometimes I think Paul gets injured just to catch up on the nurse’s gossip). Naturally Green is running a sweepstake as to who this mysterious girl could be. What me to put your name down for any contenders?
I know this is going to be terrible; but I’m kinda used to you not being around. Still miss you of course; but it’s manageable, I can accept it. I hope you understand, because I’d hate for you to feel sad.
Besides it won’t be for a whole lot longer. You cannot believe how badly I want to hold you.
Yours, affectionately
Karen
009 Last (Writer's Choice)
Adam,
I know it’s breaking the pattern; but I wanted to write again quickly.
This is going to be my last letter to you, for now anyway. Because I can count the hours until you’re coming home; OK it’s a real big number, but getting smaller all the time. You being back here is going to be the best birthday present ever.
I read in some book of yours, I can’t remember which, about how people so often wait until their standing in the doorway to say what they really came to say. I don’t know why that is; maybe we need the time to build up to it, or maybe it’s the realisation that this is it. What you can say is limited, so you have to make it count.
So I’m going to keep this short and simple, to make the words count;
I love you with all my heart; more every single day.
I hope we never have to be apart like this again, but if we are that’s OK; because I know we can come back again.
I never realised you would be such a good pen friend; maybe we should keep writing.
I never figured I’d be any good at this; y’know what, yes I am going to carry on sending you letters.
I saved every one of your letters, even though I know them by heart.
I did mention I love you, right?
Your biggest fan, standing in the doorway
Karen
010 Home (Writer's Choice)
Karen,
I know this won’t get to you before I do. But I still want to write to you, for there to be some conclusion to our project of sorts.
While obviously these written words over great distances have been no substitute for us being together, I think they have made a positive contribution to our relationship. Through these intimate notes we have been able to convey our hopes, fears, thoughts and love in a way that perhaps we wouldn’t have ordinarily.
This time apart has made us stronger, and proved we can weather any challenges. We’re good together; I wouldn’t want to be coming home to anyone else.
All these weeks ago I sent out a message into the ether; wondering if it would get there, how you would react, if you would reciprocate as I had hoped, or not, or in some wonderful way that couldn’t be anticipated.
Which when you consider it in those terms is a lot like falling in love. The way I did last time I was here. The way I have once again with you through your letters.
I love you too, and will never take for granted that we have something very solid and wonderful together. Your affections, though perhaps at times misdirected, are never doubted.
Indeed I too have saved your letters, and will keep them safe. Because though I do remember them all, perhaps one day I may not. And I don’t want to lose that.
Yours, sincerely, faithfully, and with love
Adam
Fandom: Captain Scarlet
Characters: Blue & Symphony (others mentioned)
Prompt: 053. Earth.
Word Count: 3, 211
Rating: PG
Summary: During their season apart they write to each other.
Author's Notes: Written using the prompts (table 10C) from 10_letters. The idea of their time apart is inspired by Marion’s story A chapter of accidents.
001 Colour
Karen,
This place is exactly as I remember it; as you would too, if you were here.
It was the colours that featured most strongly in my memory; the vast bowl of sky, firey reds of the rocks, cool official grey concrete of the base rising up from the landscape.
Actually, I must admit, it isn’t quite the same; the colours aren’t as bright.
Perhaps the scorching sun is bleaching them. It’s summer here, and winter where you are. That feels so wrong, a constant reminder of the time and distance between us.
Maybe it’s just an illusion then; merely that life feels dull without you and the first bloom of our love.
I know you feel angry that we are apart, and that you won’t understand why I’m not.
Perhaps one day I can explain. But not right now; because the girls, our budding Angel pilots, have just arrived and are expecting my attention.
They’re so bright, young, confident and hopeful. Were we like that once? It seems a lifetime ago.
I’m sorry this will only be a short missive; but I wanted you to have something. A tangible message from me to you; after all you can’t reread a phone call.
What do you think, shall I send more?
I miss you already,
Adam
002 Cry
Adam,
Please, do send more letters.
Being honest, because we should be, your letter did make me cry; but then right now everything that reminds me of you and that you’re gone is doing that to me. It’s comforting though, in a weird way. To know that you’re still thinking of me, and taking time out to write.
I told Dianne you wrote me. I didn’t show her the letter, that would be too personal, just mentioned it. She saw it in my in tray anyway. She said it was really romantic; but you know Di. Paul went on a mission and came back safe, so she was all loved up and happy about that. Which yeah made me sad again, but she doesn’t know. It seems selfish to rain on her parade.
So it looks like I’ll just rant to you, like always. You don’t mind, right?
Anyway I do think Di is right. It is more intimate and long lasting than a phone call or email. I’m gonna try and write you once a week, at the very least.
I love you too, I miss you, come home soon.
Yours faithfully (is that the right phrase?)
Karen
003 Imagination
Karen,
Regarding your last letter; technically it should be ‘yours sincerely’ (‘yours faithfully’ being appropriate for correspondence with someone you don’t know). However I doubt we need to trouble ourselves with such formalities.
In a way faithfully is more fitting in these circumstances. To be writing to each other, sharing our feelings, and of course being true to each other and the relationship we have.
You hear so many times of absence not making the heart fonder, or rather certainly other body parts in need of gratification, and of the sadness which ensues. Which is such a shame.
That in part is how I can rationalise us being apart. This is a test of our conviction and love, which we shall triumph over.
Am I over romanticising this?
Anyway, to the crux of the matter; indeed I do have some leave coming up, which it is perfectly possible to coincide with yours.
The thought of it makes me happier than I have been since arriving here, to finally have a light at the end of this barren stretch. To see you again, if only for a short while.
It’s odd; if I do try to call details to mind; the exact green of your eyes, the curve of your waist beneath my hand, the symphony of your laugh (sorry, that was cheesy) I struggle and it is endlessly frustrating. Yet I can picture you so clearly as if you are standing beside me as I write this. And the same goes for at night, those long lonely nights.
Elaboration of our proposed itinerary is not required is it? We’ve always been in agreement on such vital matters.
Yours, in efforts to make pedantic sexy.
Adam
004 Nightmare
Adam,
I’m sorry this letter isn’t going to happy or thoughtful like the other ones; but I need to talk to someone and you’re the only one I can think who’d understand and say the right thing.
There was a fault, in one of the hangars, they’re still checking it out for sabotage. It was just as the guys came back from a mission, getting off the plane, an explosion.
Hours later everyone is walking around so dazed, like the earth is spinning so fast beneath us.
I’m fine, physically, before you get to worrying. Mentally, that’s a whole other story. I’ve never seen anything like this, to have danger and uncertainty brought so sharply close to home. And to not have you here to set us all right makes it even harder.
I’m sure my handwriting is just awful, for that I apologise. Rick’s asleep curled around me as I sit here, Fawn had to give him a sedative and he needs to be close to someone right now.
He carried Mag all the way to the sickbay; she was unconscious, bleeding from a head wound.
That was the first I knew what had happened, seeing him running through the corridors with her in his arms. Then he just collapsed. Half the blood on his clothes was actually his, it was just the adrenalin that saw him through. Even as the medics took him away he was arguing, saying he was going back for Pat. I guess half the reason he’d left was for help, because he couldn’t have carried him alone.
Reading this back I can’t believe he did it; how strong and selfless you’d have to be. To have to make that choice of who to save. But then you’re all heroes in those ways.
By the time I got to the hangar there was blood everywhere, lights and sirens blaring, the whole place filled with smoke and tangled metal. They’d managed to get Pat out. He wasn’t even breathing then. But he’s hooked up to the machine now; Fawn says he’ll make it.
Paul was helping, some how he’d managed to walk away with almost no injuries and even those were healing as we worked.
I know it’s stupid and irrational, but I was so angry about that. He’s the one who’s indestructible; if anyone was going to take the brunt of it then it should have been him. He can bounce back, but if Pat dies then that’s it for him.
Every one of us angels and captains who can are in the sickbay, even the ones who aren’t injured. I guess on some level we all just need to be together. If I listen I can hear the bleeps of the machine next door as it keeps Pat alive.
Rick’s crying and whimpering in his sleep. He’s having nightmares and it kills me that I can’t make it all better.
I don’t think any of us are going to sleep much tonight.
Yours, with a heavy heart
Karen
005 Parents
Dear Karen,
I read your letter over and over, trying to comprehend what happened. It shook us up here too, but obviously that’s nothing compared to actually experiencing it. It’s a relief to know everyone is recovering well and rallying together for support.
Your Mom called, it was great to hear from her, she sounds really thrilled to have a family gathering for Thanksgiving. It makes a pleasant change from my family.
Apparently Mom and Dad are having a trial separation.
Great timing, huh?
I don’t know a whole lot more than that; as my brother and sister aren’t speaking to me for their own reasons, and Cal’s away at Harvard so he isn’t getting the full story either.
It’s absurd really, because with the way things have been with Dad a part of me has imagined this scenario and thought it would be a good thing. But now it’s in motion, and the novelty has soured.
Mom is trying to be strong about it, but ended up calling me at some crazy time here and crying. It brings home that you’re a grown up when you have to take care of your parents.
Dad isn’t responding to calls or emails; guess he already thinks I’ve sided with Mom. Actually I was going to stay neutral, but if he wants to play it like that then so be it.
These kind of things make you realise how short life is, that we get so few chances at happiness. Half of all marriages end in divorce, and the other half in death. It’s a grim thought, makes you wonder why anyone falls in love.
But then we both know you can’t choose, and that it’s foolish to pass on a chance of happiness.
Perhaps my parents will reconcile, and we can all go back to our image of American dream gone right. They had problems before, but came through it and ended up having Cal.
I know they’re adults, have a right to their own lives and happiness, but they’re my parents. You just expect for things to be stable, for them to be a unit and hold the family together.
I miss being young, things felt easier then.
Yours, wondering if he’s too old to be adopted.
Adam
006 Rain
Adam,
Well it’s thanksgiving yet again. Our first one apart since I swore to myself that we would be together forever, which is kinda ironic really. Just shows how life changes when you don’t expect it.
Which reminds me, I called your Mom. She’s doing better, holed up in the Berkshires. She never mentioned your dad and I wasn’t gonna ask.
So like you do this time of year, I’ve been thinking about all the stuff I’m thankful for. And the foremost thing is that I’m grateful for you. For who you are, everything we have together, and all that other stuff I could never explain but hope you know already. That even though we’re miles apart we can still feel so loved and connected.
I know they don’t have thanksgiving in Australia, but I’m glad you and the other America personnel will be able to celebrate. There’s no way you can have as much food as Mom has made; even though it’s just the four of us. Yes Charles (damn it feels weird calling the old man that) did come along. Which actually has been really great. You can see how great him and Mom are together, that they make each other so happy. And I realised, that’s what we have. So y’know it would be totally wrong to have a problem with it. I really hope that they can have a great life together.
Eve says hi. It’s so weird having a little sister, even though I always wanted one; I might never get used to it. But I’m thankful to have her, for her to have a second chance at a family. I just wish it didn’t take so much heart ache to bring us together.
I’m also super grateful for all our friends, they’re like family too. We’ve been emailing back and forth all day. Rick says he’s going to be heading out to your place for some training stuff. Guess it’ll be nice to see a familiar face. He asked me what he could bring back for me, then interrupted that his case wouldn’t be big enough to smuggle you in. Am I so predictable?
(For the record; I asked for tim-tams. Which was my second choice.)
It’s raining here in Iowa, and in a way I’m thankful for that too. Feeling it on my face makes me feel so alive and that the world is as it should be. The fact that it reminds me of those times it’s rained on vacation and we just stay inside making our own amusement is a nice bonus.
Yours, brimming with love and gratitude
Karen
007 Smut
Karen,
Yes, the ochre had landed; bringing early Christmas cheer and raising the tone of the place as only he can. Though curiously he has yet to reciprocate the apprentice angels’ attentions beyond platonic cordiality; perhaps he has other interests.
As you no doubt instructed he ‘sends your love’, he did offer to give a demonstration but I passed.
It made me miss home, Cloudbase, even more to have him here. Which is no reflection on Rick’s company; it’s simply that he has all this gossip to tell and it makes me feel a stranger not to have seen or heard this things first hand (though in the case of Green’s amorous neighbours that is perhaps a relief).
You probably also know that Pat accompanied him, to make upgrades to the software here, and it was such a relief seeing that he has recovered from that terrible ordeal you all faced.
I say this to preface the story I am about to relay; because I thought you would enjoy it, and welcome a break from my romanticism.
In addition to training the apprentice angels, I have been giving a series of lectures to the other recruits at Koala base. The response seems to be neutral; but colonel would say, this is a spectrum base not a funfair.
Not being required to listen to my ramblings Rick has taken to wandering through the auditorium checking that the cadets are dutifully paying attention and taking notes. It appeases his law enforcement instincts.
So it was during one of his rambles he noticed a certain cadet seemed rather distracted, then as he approached I noticed out of the corner of my eye a female head bob up from in front of said cadet’s seat. It didn’t take WGPC training to figure out how they were passing the time.
Having, perhaps understandably, met some resistance to the suggestion of cease and desist; the shame faced young lady was dispatched to her seat. And the gentleman escorted from the auditorium; with his pants down, literally.
I am deeply impressed that Ochre managed to keep a straight face during the incident. I am required to attend a discipline hearing for the cadet and the young lady who is indeed one of the apprentice angels. I’m not sure if I will maintain composure.
So there you are, the latest dispatch of gossip from my end. I would prefer to tell you in person, but this will have to do.
Yours, rather amused.
Adam
008 Who?
Adam,
I cannot believe your last letter!
Guess all the hot sun and crazy hormones are going to their heads. Umm as it were.
Anyway inquiring minds are desperate to know the whole story, like who is this brazen hussy of a cherub* who will be joining our ranks? (*that’s what we’re unofficially calling them, neat name, don’t you think?)
But of course I know you won’t tell; you’re too decent a guy to blab sordid details like that. You’re probably thinking everyone should have a fair chance to prove themselves in Spectrum without a reputation already hanging over them.
Which is noble, really, and I like that about you.
So don’t worry, I won’t put that on you. I’ll just ask Rick himself (kidding, kinda).
Anyway the big news here is Fawn has a girlfriend, yeah really. Paul noticed he had a blatant hickey and lipstick on his collar (Sometimes I think Paul gets injured just to catch up on the nurse’s gossip). Naturally Green is running a sweepstake as to who this mysterious girl could be. What me to put your name down for any contenders?
I know this is going to be terrible; but I’m kinda used to you not being around. Still miss you of course; but it’s manageable, I can accept it. I hope you understand, because I’d hate for you to feel sad.
Besides it won’t be for a whole lot longer. You cannot believe how badly I want to hold you.
Yours, affectionately
Karen
009 Last (Writer's Choice)
Adam,
I know it’s breaking the pattern; but I wanted to write again quickly.
This is going to be my last letter to you, for now anyway. Because I can count the hours until you’re coming home; OK it’s a real big number, but getting smaller all the time. You being back here is going to be the best birthday present ever.
I read in some book of yours, I can’t remember which, about how people so often wait until their standing in the doorway to say what they really came to say. I don’t know why that is; maybe we need the time to build up to it, or maybe it’s the realisation that this is it. What you can say is limited, so you have to make it count.
So I’m going to keep this short and simple, to make the words count;
I love you with all my heart; more every single day.
I hope we never have to be apart like this again, but if we are that’s OK; because I know we can come back again.
I never realised you would be such a good pen friend; maybe we should keep writing.
I never figured I’d be any good at this; y’know what, yes I am going to carry on sending you letters.
I saved every one of your letters, even though I know them by heart.
I did mention I love you, right?
Your biggest fan, standing in the doorway
Karen
010 Home (Writer's Choice)
Karen,
I know this won’t get to you before I do. But I still want to write to you, for there to be some conclusion to our project of sorts.
While obviously these written words over great distances have been no substitute for us being together, I think they have made a positive contribution to our relationship. Through these intimate notes we have been able to convey our hopes, fears, thoughts and love in a way that perhaps we wouldn’t have ordinarily.
This time apart has made us stronger, and proved we can weather any challenges. We’re good together; I wouldn’t want to be coming home to anyone else.
All these weeks ago I sent out a message into the ether; wondering if it would get there, how you would react, if you would reciprocate as I had hoped, or not, or in some wonderful way that couldn’t be anticipated.
Which when you consider it in those terms is a lot like falling in love. The way I did last time I was here. The way I have once again with you through your letters.
I love you too, and will never take for granted that we have something very solid and wonderful together. Your affections, though perhaps at times misdirected, are never doubted.
Indeed I too have saved your letters, and will keep them safe. Because though I do remember them all, perhaps one day I may not. And I don’t want to lose that.
Yours, sincerely, faithfully, and with love
Adam