Dear Jack,<br/><br/>Mama left your letter on my bed so it would be a surprise for me. I was so excited to see it and hear from you!<br/><br/>Bitsy has been helping out Mrs. Mabry with the baby when she gets out of school. There has been word around town of several other men who haven't made it home, but no one I know. It's terribly frightening, and I'm glad you're not over there yet. I hope this war ends before you have to go.<br/><br/>I'm glad to hear you're making friends! Though, those boys who like to go out and get drunk do sound quite annoying. I've never understood why people felt the need to do that. It just makes for trouble.<br/><br/>Oh, speaking of movies! You remember Ralph, his father owns the five and dime? He was out of high school before we started, but he's always worked at the store. I needed new hair curlers yesterday, and while I was in the store he asked me to go see a movie with him this Friday. He wants to take me to see The Corpse Vanishes. You know I don't like scary films! I said I'd give him my answer by tomorrow, but I don't know if I want to go. He's nice, but I don't want him trying to put moves on me.<br/><br/>Do you think we could send you a small box of cookies? Would they allow that? If so, I'm sure mama would be happy to bake up your favorite for you.<br/><br/>Monarch is being turned into a bomb factory. Papa isn't quite sure exactly what his new job will be, but every one is being trained in all sorts of different things right now. He says he can't talk about because it's government secrets. That's okay, I really don't want to know. It's just another frightening thing for me to think about. Too many people I know are in danger these days.<br/><br/>Thank you for letting me use your bike! When I go see your mother after church on Sunday I'll ask her about it. It will be so much easier to get around town and my feet won't hurt so much at the end of the day.<br/><br/>Write back soon as soon as you can!<br/><br/>Always,<br/><br/>Evelyn