Madi’s P.O.V
Tyler dropped me off and told me he’d come back at six to do homework and decide whether we were gonna go out or not. I grabbed the mail and unlocked the door before thumbing through it. I got to an envelope with my name on it and shrieked with happiness when I recognized his handwriting on the front. I noticed Brian and Amy glaring at me from across the street, but at the moment I was too happy to care. I walked in and threw the rest of the mail on the coffee table and dropped my bag in the kitchen by the table before ripping open the envelope. I took note that the date it was written was about a week ago.

Dear Madi,
How’ve you been? I miss you so much and am excited to tell you, I should be home in two weeks. And I can tell you’re excited because it’s the last year I have to serve and that means I’m coming home for good. Dad sent me a letter that showed me your grades and I’m incredibly proud of you. I’m happy that you’re taking school seriously and that I will get to see you graduate. So how are Lea and Tyler doing? I mean I know you keep in touch and how important they are to you. To be honest, I’m glad they keep you sane and comfort you when I’m not around. I hated seeing you cry after mom died…and again when you found out about me joining the army. And I am really sorry that I put you through that fear when I can’t respond to your letters for awhile. Anyways, knowing you there’s music playing or you’re planning on working on a piano piece. How is that going sis? I think you should keep working on the piece you wrote for Emma. I know it hurts, but it helps you move on and she would want that for you.

I paused and wiped at my eyes at the mention of my other best friend in New York. She was Tyler’s girlfriend and she had to go to the store one night and was hit by a drunk driver. That wasn’t the first time something like that happened though…her dying I mean. She had overdosed on pain killers as an attempted suicide about a year earlier but Ty and I found her before they kicked in. That’s when I started writing a song for the piano. I had parts of it and a couple of lines here and there, but I couldn’t put the words to the verses and I was missing a bit to connect the two parts of my verses. So after getting frustrated with it I just put it away. I looked back to the letter and continued on.

You’re a talented person, Madz. I know you don’t see it but you are. You draw meaningful pictures and can make random things in your head turn into a beautiful song. I mean you’re one of the only people I know who can play something by ear. Don’t let anyone put you down and call you worthless or unimportant because they would be completely wrong. And I hate seeing you upset as I mentioned before. You’re a good person and you desearve to be happy. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Remember keep your head up and stay strong. See ya soon kiddo.
Your Loving Brother
Jake

I smiled and wiped at my eyes before folding the letter and putting it on the table near the envelope and grabbing an apple. I walked back into the living room and took a bite as I turned on MTV. I watched music videos until about five. I heard a knock on the door and stood up confused. Tyler wasn’t supposed to be here for about an hour. I checked my phone to make sure that I hadn’t missed a call or text before opening the door to see a man standing there in a suit.

I felt my heart race as I noticed the army sticker on the windshield of the car he drove up in. “Can I help you?” I asked shakily. He handed me a set of dog tags and a paper before uttering the words no one ever wants to hear.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” That’s the last thing I heard before everything went black.

Notes

So, how horrible am I? Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!