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Hello Grey. How are you doing from up above?
It's been two years now, I know. A long time, but I can't help but remember you sometimes. It's like I can still feel your presence some days, like you're watching over me. Whether you are or not, I wanted to let you know how things have been going here.
I've been taking good care of Red. He is still as daring and gentle as ever despite his age. He is good company, not just for me, but anyone. He also misses you dearly, he gives me company whenever I come to visit you. I've also been visiting your old place to check on your animals… although most of them left after your disappearance. Anyways, I did my best to take care of them for you. I thought you would enjoy knowing that.
Oh yeah, I've improved and now I'm working as a medic, traveling around the city and treating vets and others in need… I should have realized sooner that fighting and isolating myself for the sake of survival wouldn't bring me anywhere. But I found my humanity back by treating and taking care of people in need. They were the ones who brought me hope. And I wanted to redeem myself by offering the help that the drug dealers weren't offering before.
Things aren't perfect, of course, but… it's very much an improvement. My life feels much better than before, and without Sam's help, another kind veteran that helped me get out of the hole I was digging myself in, it would probably be more difficult. And with his help I also opened a clinic, right by Leona's shop, where I settled in.
Ah, Leona… I wish you had met her… She is the kindest soul I've ever met, that still held onto me even when I was at my lowest. She was eager to help me and anyone she found that were struggling. I tell her about you sometimes, and she wishes she had met you as well. Surely Leona would have also tried to help you if she knew you before. Without her kindness and trust, I wouldn't be the same person as I am now. I owe her a lot… I really wish you could have met her. I’d also wish I could take you to her restaurant so you can have a taste of her special cuisine… Her stews are the best.
With each day… I feel more satisfied with my life. But as always, the memories of the war still haunt me. The nightmares are constant, and I'm reminded of the scar that changed everything. But… I'm not alone. I guess all veterans are left with a haunting scar of our past. I… still have a lot to do, to redeem my own person, and I don't think I can grow out of this scar, it's just part of me. But, it's growing on me the fact I'm not alone in this. That's why I want to retribute the kindness that I received from others, and to also give them hope. It's the only way we can grow out of this constant pain we live in… Even if the government gave up on us, there's others willing to take us in and help. And I wanna be there to do the same too. It's only fair… to let them know we are stronger as a community.
It's upsetting that not many live long enough to meet the kindness of strangers and fellow vets willing to help each other… I wish you were here to see it. I miss you alot, Grey. The world wasn't fair to us, but you kicked the bucket too early. I also wanted you to feel the hope that was given to me. We could have gone back and lived normal lives to the most possible extent, and you would be happy like this.
Sometimes I feel lost and I think about you… A fellow vet who understands the pain of war. We could have held up each other together and followed on with a more satisfying life. But… I understand now you're finally at rest, away from all the pain, all of the scars. I guess you deserved a rest after all of this. I still have things to do while I'm still standing.
Anyways, the future seems brighter and more lively than before. I thought you'd be happy to know that. I've figured out what I want and what I need to do. And now… I'll help others to figure it out too. Like you, Red, Sam, and Leona helped me. And many others too. I've been out of meds for two years, and there's no more bloodshed and fear on my path anymore. A strength I did not harvest alone. So, thank you Grey, thank you so much for everything.
We will meet again some day.