#random decades challenge
Victor’s Journal
Now that I am not in school I try to find productive uses for my time. My second cousin Nick showed me and Lorenzo how to fish and I must say I really enjoy it. I even caught a trout! Papá never took me fishing when I was younger even when I’d ask him. My Abuelo Arturo was a fisherman and now I can see why!
Of course Lorenzo and I continue to remain as thick as thieves. I couldn’t imagine a life without him. We talk about everything together. Even girls, though not for long— no one’s caught my fancy.
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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
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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.
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Victor’s Journal
I told Antonia the news— I have been drafted and am to report for duty soon. “Don’t cry, my love,” I told her. “It is what I must do and as soon as I get back we can continue our lives together. I promise.” There I saw my life laid out before me— serving in the army, coming back home, and proposing to Antonia, then starting a family with lots of children..
“If you must go, Victor,” she said, “I will go, too. I’ll become a volunteer nurse so that I can serve as well and help the soldiers. God willing our paths will cross.”
What a brave and kind girl I was dating! “You’d make a fine nurse, Antonia, and an even better wife someday,” I assured her. Though in my heart I knew I still harbored affection for Lorenzo, looking at Antonia, I saw a future of which I was certain.
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Dear Mr. and Mrs. Manuel Marquez,
This letter is to inform you that your son, Victor Jose Marquez, age eighteen, has been called for mandatory service into the United States Army Corps. Victor is to report to camp for basic training.
— On behalf of the United States Army Corps
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Victor’s Journal
I expressed my concerns and worries about the war and my Papá’s safety to Antonia today. I could get drafted any day now, since they lowered the age to eighteen. I came to the conclusion that since we live in such uncertainty, I had better ask Antonia to be my girlfriend and go steady while I still could.
“Yes, yes, Victor, of course I will be your girlfriend!” she said. I was so happy that she agreed. I hope that we can enjoy life while we’re young and still have the time.
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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
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