Page 51 of Forever Fascinating

VAPOR

Matthew wrotehis parents to update them on how he was and hoped they understood what he was about to say. He wasn’t coming home for a visit this next break either.

His last period off had been to go to Texas for the wedding, using a few days of leave… and now, he just got time off approved to go to Greece with Jana.

That left him about nine days left for the rest of the year – and he was already making plans to go to Iceland after Greece.

* * *

Dear Mom and Dad,

Hope all is well with you. I’m doing good and things are looking up. I’ve started to mesh well with some of the guys, better than I was, and finding my place slowly here.

I’m also trying to quit smoking… and your right, Dad. This is really tough. I’ve used it as a crutch for so long and the amount of bubblegum I’ve been chewing in the last few weeks should probably go in the Guinness Book of World Records.

I met a girl… and before you get all weird on me? She’s really nice and we are just talking. I’ll send you a photo, but things are really new, so I’d like to keep this on the down low in case she ends up dumping me. I’d be crushed, so please cross your fingers and toes that things keep going like they are.

I know I missed out on visiting, because I went to my coworker’s wedding, but I’m afraid that I’m going to miss this next visit, too. I have a chance to go to Greece with a friend – and I’m going to take it. I’ll send you photos and keep you posted where I am.

Things have been looking up and it’s given me a lot of time to think over some things… and I wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for all that you did for me, pushing me, and helping me get to the place I am.

I may have been an ungrateful brat… but this very grateful man understands now, and I cannot say it enough.

Thank you.

I love you both,

Matthew

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My forever date…

Did you send me a box? I got something on my bunk today, but there is no return address. Was that from you? I haven’t opened it yet and wasn’t sure if I should… or if I should wait?

Mark your calendar! How does April 15ththrough April 20thsound?

I have to report back on base the 21st, so I’ll need to fly out the 20thextremely early. I can fly in directly to Greece late the 14thas soon as I’m off. I tried to take as late in April as possible so the weather is nice – but you might still need a light jacket.

I’m so excited to see you again and was doing a little looking around online. It’s going to be a very busy 4 ½ to five days, but I think we can do it. We can always go back, too.

(I’m smiling from ear to ear)

I was thinking that if we stay close to Athens, we can visit the temples, the ruins, see the flea markets for souvenirs… and we have to try the Greek coffee.

Sketo is plain black coffee (this is me!)

Metrio has a little bit of sugar in it…

Glyko is supposed to be super sweet…

I’m not sure how much time we’ll have to visit a beach if we are in Athens, but we can definitely go back again and lounge around the Aegean Sea. Maybe the hotel will have an indoor pool?

So, we’ll need to look at flight times, coordinate your arrival with mine, and talk through it. I plan on calling you again because I need to hear that sweet voice and that laugh. I’ll try to call on Saturday – or just email me if you need me to wait a little longer.

I miss your smile, Jana.

Matthew

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