Chapter 1

"Dance with you"

Daddy invited Loner to this year's ball, and told me to look after him. Loner lost his parents years ago, and now he is living all alone by himself in a large house out on the hillside. Even though we grew up in the same town, we never really talked. Many people in town call him a "freak", but I just feel that he is a bit pathetic. I suppose that now I´d better think of something to say to him or the silence would be awkward. He's always so quiet.
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"You are my angel"

Mr. Robert invited me to this year's ball. He is one of my father's best friends and always nice to me. Honestly, I feel anxious the ball. The people here still think of me as a "freak". Fortunately, Robert's daughter, Alma, keep me company. The "Princess" of the town truly deserves the high regards. She carries herself confidently, but without that typical arrogance of those of her stature. She's beautiful. As we dance I feel the hostility from the other gentleman in the room. Jesus, what am I doing?! I do not belong here.
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"I want to heal you"

He's completely different from what people say. Sure, he's a little nervous, but I find myself feeling very comfortable and at ease chatting with him. However, the moment he is left alone he immediately looks so desperate and lost it just breaks your heart. I don't think he is used to social gatherings. I feel guilty for the times I had to leave him to perform my duty as the host's daughter. I must find a way to make it up to him.
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"She is so pretty"

What a pleasant surprise; Alma has invited me to ice skate with her. This sort of activity is not common among the ladies. However, she's obviously very experienced. We skated down the Vieux River, from the east side of town to the Leitz, and only had to stop once to catch our breath. I was impressed by her stamina. Fortunately, we ran into some of her acquaintances Otherwise, we may not have made it back until nightfall. I can't believe how beautiful she looks when she's skating, like a white swan taking off from a still lake.
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"You are the right one"

He truly surprises me! We skated all the way to Leitz. Dad doesn't even accompany me this far. I'm amazed at how happy and at ease I am with him. I trust him. I know that if I'm tired he'll see that I get home safely. Nevertheless, we came across aunt Nora who gave us a ride back. When we get home I see a peculiar smile on dad's face. What is going through his mind, I wonder. I will have to investigate.
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"The sky turns dark"

Today's paper reported that the Empire has completed its development of Machine Gun: a weapon that can fire over six hundred bullets in a minute. That's incredible! Father warned me that someday a war will begin between our country and the Empire. It seems that day is almost here. He urged me not to join the army, saying that no one in this war would be "Clean". I promised to honor his wish. However, I can't help but feel conflicted. Is it not our duty to defend our country against aggressors?
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"He cries"

Tonight, Loner cried. I had never seen him cry before. He said the potato soup tasted just like his mother used to make. That makes me happy to hear. His mother passed away when he was eight years old. I can love and take good care of him. I picture a future where I make all of his favorite dishes, just like his mother did. Right now he has this peaceful and serene look on his face as he reads. I wonder what he's reading.
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"In mother's arms"

Hi, mom. Today Alma made potato soup for me. It tasted a lot the way you use to make it, although a bit saltier. I don't know why I cried the way I did. Alma held me in her arms. She was so sweet and warm with me. It has been a long time since I felt this way. We are going to be just fine, so you needn't worry about me. Alma is so lively and she makes me happy. She is going to be a good wife and mother. A lot like you, mom. I'm so happy with her.
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"I would be your hero"

The Empire just declared war against us. What Father once worried about is finally here. According to the papers, the Department of Defense will soon begin a nationwide recruitment. Lately, Alma has taught me what it means to feel concern for others. I'm sorry, Father, but I have to break my promise to you. I'm joining the army. I now have someone to protect. I will still value the lives of those around me, even the lives of the enemy.
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"I will remember your words"

Our military transport train has left Nottingham. The air is full of excited chatter. I do not care to join in this. I find that I start to miss my Alma. This morning Alma made a me a delicious breakfast. Before I left, she gave me words of encouragement and strength. As the train left the station, she looked so small and alone in the crowd outside, like a leaf caught in a storm. My heart is breaking. I miss you, my lover. I really miss you.
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"I want to fly with you"

Today the Air Force came to select soldiers. I was selected by the Captain, who has a very severe and steely look. I wonder what it feels like to be flying in the air. I imagine it's liberating. I hope to one day share that feeling with Alma, once the war is over. Now I have to get ready for the new life as a pilot recruit. The Captain told us there is no easy life in the recruit training center.
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"You are always with me"

I received a letter from Loner today. It has been a long while since his last letter. So I was excited, and almost forgot to say goodbye to the postman. He has been chosen to be a pilot! I'm so proud of him, although I can't help but worry too. As a pilot in a war, he'll be in danger and close to death all the time. Oh, God! What am I thinking? I have to stop thinking like this and be strong. I have to be strong. God, I hate this war!
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"Miss you day and night"

It is always so good to read from Alma. Her words always fill me with warmth and give me the strength to make it through these lonely and trying periods of our training. The Captain always stresses the rules of the barracks. He does not believe in letting up for a single minute and strongly discourages any show of weakness. This includes the writing of letters to family and loved ones back home. Though the training here is tense, no one wants to drop out. I wonder where Harris and Potato are. They are probably still in the hangar. Those two are inseparable.
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