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

Young couple on a sofa

January 9, 1945

All bright and shiny

Dear Nicholas,

I was having a horrible day when all of the sudden the calm feeling came over me because somehow I knew that if I walked to the mailbox I would have a letter from you. And after I read it everything turned around.

I caught my mother on the phone laughing like I haven’t heard her laugh in years. Turned out she was on with her sister. I guess they needed to get all that stuff out in order to move forward. She’s even talking about going to visit. When I asked about money she just brushed me off and said that I needn’t worry about it. In the last year my mom has been three different people. This latest incarnation is great. I hope she sticks around.

As for me, I hope that I grow to love with no fear, to give all of myself without a second thought. I have trust issues. I’m afraid. To be honest, most people don’t sink beneath the surface of my waters, they simply float further downstream. That’s one of the bad things about being a dreamer. It’s rare that you find something that lives up to your expectations. But there are moments… Moments when you feel everything is going to be alright, moments when a faint breeze moves through your hair, when a good book comes to an end, moments when you’re alone with your music and possibilities are endless. Right now I’m alone, but maybe I don’t have to be. Maybe neither of us have to be ever again.

Yours,

Elizabeth

Next letter – January 27, 1945