Prelude

15, June 2006 Cincinnati OH

Dear Isabelle,

Isabelle, meaning 'Consecrated of God'. Thirteen years, four thousand seven hundred and forty-five days; thirteen summers ago I first met you. The first moment I saw you at Joy's wedding, walking down the aisle, my heart stopped beating. Though now I wonder if that moment was bittersweet, wondering if it would have been easier not to see you, than it is to leave you again. I didn't see tears this time, or you running back into Joy's house. This time you ran into your own apartment and slammed the door shut. I called my old lieutenant today and he said he will get me the paperwork as soon as possible. I will still be waiting a month to reenlist, but maybe it will go quickly, I do not know, all I know is that I am lost here. There I had sense of direction of what to do. I am sorry.

Sergeant,
Joseph

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