MidReal Story

The Soldier's Heart

Tree

Scenario:February 16, 1942 Dear Paige, It feels like just yesterday I left home for basic training here in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina. I wonder how you're doing. I hope everything is alright back at home. The sergeants here are tough, but it's for a good reason—they’re training us for war. I don't even know when you’ll get this letter or if it'll be censored by the unit before it reaches you. The place here is something else—just mountains and mosquitoes. Yesterday we had to do a five-mile ruck march. It was tough, but I guess I’m getting used to it. I also heard they’re promoting me to corporal because of how well I’ve done with a rifle and my leadership skills. Can you believe that? It's funny to think that I was never much of a student back home, but now I'm getting leadership positions. In a month, I'll be finishing basic training, and then I get to come home for a bit. But right after that, I’ll be going back for advanced training. From the way things are going, I have a feeling I’ll be heading to Europe. I sure hope so, at least. I’ve heard a lot about the Japanese, and I’d rather be fighting there than in the Pacific if I’m being honest. I’m sure this letter doesn’t make much sense—it’s probably all jumbled up—but just remember, I never did too great in school. Still, I somehow managed to graduate, didn’t I? The training is hard, but I’m managing, and they say it’ll be worth it once we’re ready for the real thing. By the way, are you still interested in those ancient civilizations? If you are, maybe you could come visit me in Europe after the war. I hear there’s a lot of history over there. Take care of yourself, Paige. Write me back whenever you can. Your best friend, Corporal Jeremiah

Create my version of this story

February 16, 1942 Dear Paige, It feels like just yesterday I left home for basic training here in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina. I wonder how you're doing. I hope everything is alright back at home. The sergeants here are tough, but it's for a good reason—they’re training us for war. I don't even know when you’ll get this letter or if it'll be censored by the unit before it reaches you. The place here is something else—just mountains and mosquitoes. Yesterday we had to do a five-mile ruck march. It was tough, but I guess I’m getting used to it. I also heard they’re promoting me to corporal because of how well I’ve done with a rifle and my leadership skills. Can you believe that? It's funny to think that I was never much of a student back home, but now I'm getting leadership positions. In a month, I'll be finishing basic training, and then I get to come home for a bit. But right after that, I’ll be going back for advanced training. From the way things are going, I have a feeling I’ll be heading to Europe. I sure hope so, at least. I’ve heard a lot about the Japanese, and I’d rather be fighting there than in the Pacific if I’m being honest. I’m sure this letter doesn’t make much sense—it’s probably all jumbled up—but just remember, I never did too great in school. Still, I somehow managed to graduate, didn’t I? The training is hard, but I’m managing, and they say it’ll be worth it once we’re ready for the real thing. By the way, are you still interested in those ancient civilizations? If you are, maybe you could come visit me in Europe after the war. I hear there’s a lot of history over there. Take care of yourself, Paige. Write me back whenever you can. Your best friend, Corporal Jeremiah

Jeremiah Thompson

resilient, and introspective. Jeremiah struggles with the rigors of basic training but finds solace in his friendship with Paige. He faces the harsh realities of war, including the loss of comrades and the threat of deployment to Europe. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful for a future with Paige and dreams of visiting her after the war.

Paige Anderson

supportive, and curious. Paige shares a deep bond with Jeremiah, exchanging letters that provide comfort during his time in training. She is interested in ancient civilizations and dreams of visiting Europe after the war to explore historical sites with Jeremiah. Her presence in Jeremiah's life serves as a beacon of hope and motivation for him to persevere through the challenges of war.

Sergeant Mitchell

strict, and authoritative. Sergeant Mitchell pushes Jeremiah and his fellow soldiers to their limits during basic training to prepare them for combat. His harsh methods are intended to toughen them up for the realities of war, though they often leave Jeremiah feeling exhausted and frustrated.

February 16, 1942

Dear Paige,

It feels like just yesterday I left for basic training here in the middle of nowhere, North Carolina.

I wonder how you're doing.

Hope everything is alright back at home.

The sergeants here are tough—I won't even begin to describe how tough.

I guess it's for a good reason though—they're training us up for war.

I don't even know when you’ll get this letter or if it'll be censored by the unit before it reaches you, but I'm writing regardless.

I have so much I want to tell you, and I have no idea when I'll have another chance to write again.

The place here is something else—just mountains and mosquitoes.

I can't even begin to describe the amount of mosquitoes.

Yesterday we had to do a five-mile ruck march.

It was tough—I'm still hurting today—but I guess I'm getting used to it now.

They’re pushing us hard, but it's nothing compared to what we'll be facing overseas.

Speaking of which, I got word today that in just a month, I'll be finishing basic training, and then they’re giving me a bit of time off before I head back for advanced training.

From the way things are going, I have a feeling I'll be heading to Europe before too long.

I sure hope so at least.

I'm sitting here in the barracks right now, scribbling away on a wooden desk.

It's quiet except for the sound of my pencil scratching against the paper.

I can hear the distant drills going on outside, but it's nothing compared to the noise of the marching that goes on all day.

The sun is setting now, casting long shadows through the window where I sit.

Condensation has formed on the glass from the humidity of the day, and a lone mosquito has landed on the other side.

It's testing the surface with its thin legs, and I've paused my letter-writing to watch it.

It reminds me of yesterday's march when we trudged through swarms of them.

Our uniforms were soaked with sweat, and it did little to protect us from their bites.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the barracks.

I turned to see several soldiers gathered around the bulletin board, pointing and talking excitedly.

I folded up my letter and walked over to see what was causing the fuss.

It wasn't often that we got new postings on the board, so I was curious as well.

As I squeezed through the crowd of soldiers, I saw that they had pinned up the Officer Candidate School roster.

I scanned down the list, and my heart began to pound in my chest as I read my name printed there: Jeremiah Thompson.

My head spun with all the implications of what this meant—better pay, more responsibility, the rank of second lieutenant.

I couldn't wait to write Paige back with this news.

Back at my desk, I added a hasty postscript to my letter. Dear Paige,

P.S. You won't believe what I just found out—I've been selected for Officer Candidate School!

I'm going to be an officer!

Can you believe it?

Your best friend,

Jeremiah