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

Yellow flower in a field

February 8, 1945

With a sentimental heart

Dear Nicholas,

Enclosed please find a picture, as requested. The husband of one of the women I volunteer with is an amateur photographer. He said he’d do it for free so there I was, sitting in his makeshift studio, feeling completely uncomfortable. They all ended up looking too rigid and staged, with the exception of the one I sent – he was giving me all of this direction and I had no idea what to do. I laughed nervously, he got flustered and took a picture by accident, which ended up looking natural and happy. It was the only one I liked from the whole shoot and I hoped you’d feel the same.

You know, it has taken me a while to accept but it’s true, you can’t count on anyone but yourself. I wish I had someone like you around to talk to every day. For a long time I could close my eyes and picture you when I saw you last. You were wearing your uniform and I was sad. I wish I could spend a whole day with you outdoors. Just talking and laughing. I crave the space of open fields, rolling hills of the greenest grass. I have no doubt that I’ll see my friend again.

Yours,

Elizabeth

Next letter – February 19, 1945