August 15th, 1915

Rushing home with the paper in his hand, he knew he would gain a beating from his family. He was only 15 years old, yet, he had successfully lied about his age to go serve in the war. He needed to serve.

He was right, when he got home and showed his mother his enlistment papers, she begged him to stay home, when he refused, she acted out, hitting him everywhere she could get her hands on.

August 29th, 1915

My dearest darling, Aki. I’m sorry I couldn’t have seen you before I left for training, just know that I love you very much, my sweet girl.

Is school boring without me? I hope not. I’m sure the lads are raising hell without me being there to hold them down.

Training is a pain. It is not as hard as I thought it would be, but it’s certainly a lot. I’m quite lucky that I had always been good in sports. If I wasn’t, I’m sure not how I would survive.

My sweetheart, I’m sure you are angry at me for leaving, but I couldn’t not serve my country. I promise I will return home to you and make you my bride. I will make you a proud wife, I will be a goddam good soldier so you can brag to all of your friends how decorated your boyfriend is.

I will get a photo taken of me in my uniform so you can place it on your nightstand. Does that make you happy, my dearest.

Take care, my love.

Lovingly, Your Charlie

When Charlie had finished the letter, all he could do was smile. He would make his girlfriend proud of him! He would kill as many of those rotten Germans as it took. Only if he had known the hell he would see in the trenches.