This is the forty-eighth of 87 letters exchanged during World War II between Nicholas Salvatore and Elizabeth Galloway. For more see Nicholas and Elizabeth.

Movie still - The_Firefly_of_Tough_Luck

October 13, 1944

Here, whether you like it or not

Dear Nicholas,

Where do you get off trying to remove yourself from my life? Well, I won’t stand for it. I’ve lost too much these last couple years, you’re not going to be next. I meant it when I said I love you, don’t you know that?

Don’t be a fool, Nick. I don’t know much, but I do know that this is real. It may be a little strange and unexplainable and downright painful at times, but it’s real. You, me, all of this, all these words, these pieces of paper held together by little more than the emotions poured onto them – it’s all real. And if you think for one minute I’ll let you go and push me away, then you’re a fool. A silly, stupid fool. But even if you are, you’re my fool.

There are people I meet (very rarely) who in a small way change who I am… People I can learn from and admire. You are one of those people. Sometimes I worry that you don’t know how amazing you are. Sometimes I don’t know what to do with myself but then I see so much beauty in the world… In people like you and places like Chicago! Which definitely isn’t Arizona! Oh there is beauty there too. I guess the next step is seeing it in myself. Thank you for being a friend to me. You make me smile.

Now go and listen to what they tell you and get better! We’ve got a lot to do after the war and I need you in top condition. (I wouldn’t want you to hurt something when next we meet…)

Love,

Elizabeth

Next letter – October 24, 1944