#manuel marquez

Dear Isabel, Alvin, and family,

We hope that your Christmas is a joyful occasion. Christmas does not feel much the same without Mamá and Papá— I miss them dearly, but Elsa and I manage with our little family. I hope that Olga and Ignacio are well. I hear Nacho will soon be starting school. As the war in Europe continues, may we all pray for peace on Earth and goodwill to men.

Love, Manuel

Manuel’s Journal

Elsa and I had a disagreement regarding the raising of our son, Victor. Now that he is out of school, my wife thinks that it would suit him to find work part-time. I believe he is still too young. He is but thirteen and has his whole life ahead of him! This came only before Elsa’s nagging over my usage of alcohol— though I do not believe it to be a problem. I only drink on occasion. I had to make it up to her somehow; despite our disagreements I am still deeply in love with her.

We could hardly keep our hands off of each other. She is still shy and demure as when I married her, but beneath that exterior lies an affectionate partner. It had been a while since we had had time to ourselves like this, and I enjoyed every moment.

Dearest Elsa,

Life at the training camp is about what I had expected. There are plenty of men here, including some of my friends and relatives, both younger than me and about my age. Our camp leader is Sergeant Sebastian Garcon, a strict Frenchman newly arrived in the States. (The French have been fighting this war longer than we have.) Adjusting to military life is different, but I cannot help feeling that my father would be proud of me if he knew that I was training to be a soldier now. When I am not socializing with my brothers in arms, I spend the days writing in my journal or working out to build strength. I hope that you and Victor are well, along with his sweetheart Antonia.

Love, Manuel