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

Ernest_Hemingway_in_uniform_at_Oak_Park,_Illinois

January 27, 1945

My new digs

Dear Elizabeth,

How long has it been? Feels like years since I wrote you. I know it’s late but happy new year. I’ve been on the move these last few weeks and have finally settled in (for the moment) enough to sit down and compose a letter. I got here about a week ago and its been go go go ever since from morning to night. I meant to write you every night and every night fell asleep starting a letter in my head.

I feel closer to you than ever. I got your last three letters at the same time. I’m glad I didn’t have to wait weeks to hear that there was a happy ending – within minutes you went from despair to joy! That’s what you deserve. No one can avoid suffering completely, but I hope for you it only ever lasts a few seconds at a time, a minute at the most.

You know, when all this is said and done I think I might just want a little home in a nondescript neighborhood and a boring job to get lost in. That sounds wonderful right about now. It’s a new year, what say you send a new pic, eh? I know you’re more beautiful than ever. I want to recognize you when I get home.

Love,

Nicholas

Next letter – February 8, 1945