January 13th, 1944

Dear Bucky,

You're right. I am mad about that. But mostly I'm scared for you. We already almost lost you once, Bucky. Wasn't that enough? I don't like it one bit.

But I have to admit I kind of do understand. At least you have Steve. And I know how stubborn you can be. Especially when you know you're doing the right thing. I do remember all the trouble you got into in school, after all. Even knowing that Mom would be furious, you always got into fights because you knew it was the right thing to do to stand up to bullies. I know you'll look out for each other, so I suppose I'll just have to get used to the idea. And I did get his letter. I sent him one back forgiving him. Knowing Steve, it can't have been easy playing about on a stage instead of actually helping the rest of you for real.

Enough of that, I think. On to news. I don't know if Danny's been writing to you too, but we got our first letter from him. He's even worse at writing than you are, I think. But then, I also suppose that might be in part because of where he is. He did get sent to the Pacific, Bucky. It sounds awful. Not that it doesn't sound horrible where you are, but I daresay it almost sounds worse there. And he doesn't have someone like Steve to look out for him the way you do. I'm scared for him, Bucky. When you left I was so sure that you'd make it back and that he would and that there was really nothing real to worry about. But then that letter? When we thought you were gone? It made it real just how dangerous it is, Bucky. You have to promise that you won't take too many risks. I know you have to take some, but the bare minimum, okay?

Things have calmed down here a little. It's not quite so busy as it was before Christmas, at least. We were able to go out to the pictures last week with Jack, Agnes, Betty and Gordon. We saw Bathing Beauty with Esther Williams. In it her character Caroline goes to work as a gym teacher at an all-girl's college and Red Skelton's character manages to enroll as a student. It was wonderfully silly and fun. And in colour too! And I wore the silk scarf you sent me for Christmas! It is beautiful, Bucky. Betty and Agnes were so jealous. I don't know where you managed to get it, but I think it might be one of the loveliest things I've ever worn. Mom wears hers all the time too. And Mom loved the drawing you sent. She even got it framed. It's on her nightstand now, you know. Right next to the portraits she had you and Danny take before you both deployed.

And Eloise actually did it, you know. Remember how I told you she was thinking of joining the Nursing Corps? She actually did it. Uncle Reg is tickled pink, even if Aunt Carol is almost always in a state about it. It sounds like she might be shipping out herself to Europe, after all, and you know Aunt Carol. She worries about everything. Perhaps you'll be able to visit her. Just don't go and get yourself hurt to do it, you hear!

We still miss you, Bucky. Especially your laugh. I think I even miss hearing you bickering with Danny, if you can believe it.

Be careful. I know I keep saying it, but I still mean it every bit as much as I did when I said it to you in person. Maybe even more.

Mom and Jack send their love. And I do too, of course.

Come home soon! I'm still expecting you and Steve to win the War any day, now.

Love,

Bea

P.S. The Howling Commandos is a pretty good name. And I'm glad you're all a good team. I'm relying on all of them to keep you safe, after all, idiots or not. And you can tell them that!

A/N: Thanks for Reading!

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