October 19th, 1943

Dear Bucky,

I do not have a crush on Captain America, thank you very much! Even if he is quite the dreamboat. I'm pretty sure Betty does, though. She hasn't stopped talking about him. You should have seen her bouncing around in the theatre when we went to the pictures last week. There was a short all about Captain America helping to fight the Nazis. I thought it was silly. Betty wouldn't stop talking about how handsome he is or how good he looks in his silly costume. And I think she went and nicked all her little brother's comics of him too. Benny's been collecting them, it seems. Every penny from his paper route seems to be saved just for those things. They really are very popular. Jack and I will make sure you get at least one for Christmas! I'm already saving.

I do wish that I had been able to get a picture with him, though, just because you said it would have made you smile.

Really, though, I have very little to pass on. Things are pretty boring here, really. Just school, looking for news about the War and working at the store with Mom and Uncle Reg. Eloise is working there now too. I don't think she's terribly happy about it, and Jack's sure Uncle Reg and Aunt Carol put her up to it. She's talking about joining the Nursing Corps, you know. Jack doesn't think she'll be able to handle it. I'm not sure I do either. You remember how squeamish she is about blood and dirt and anything even the least bit messy.

Agnes is talking about it too. And she's even saying she might drop out of school to do it! At least Eloise is finished. I can't imagine Mr. and Mrs. Benson will be happy if Agnes even suggests it. Especially not since her brother left for the Pacific last month. I'm glad you're not there, Bucky. It sounds even more miserable than where you are!

I think we're all worried that Danny's going to end up there. He's almost done his Basic Training, after all. In his last letter he said he only had another week or so and then another couple for a bit of specialty training and then he was being sent out. He also said that's where it looks like he will be going.

Why can't the War be over already!

I'm sorry, Bucky. I'm doing a horrible job of writing you happy letters to cheer you up. There is just so little happening here. No one's been able to spare much time for dancing, going to the pictures or even to just hang out together the last few weeks. And most of the news and gossip going around is either dull or depressing.

It means we really need you to come home. We're really missing your constant cheerfulness. Even grouchy Mrs. Kenilworth said as much at the store last week! And you know she wasn't fond of you. Not after you and Steve nearly frightened her dog to death when you were kids.

Still no news from Steve.

But for all that it is dull and boring, we are all doing well. Jack is third in his class at college and I'm fifth in Senior Year. I know. We should both be trying for top of the class, but I don't think either of us could beat you. You and Danny were always much better at school than Jack and me. But I just can't help it! It feels like there are so many other things more important than scoring well on a few tests. Mom spends a lot of time at the store. She says it helps to keep busy, but I'm not quite convinced of that. She's always so worried about you and Danny. She jumps every time the doorbell rings, you know.

I don't really have much else to say this time, Bucky. Nothing terribly funny or witty or even interesting. But I had to write anyway. It almost feels like I'm talking to you when I do. I hope it feels that way for you too. If it does, then I suppose I have done my job. Even if it is a rather dreary letter.

As always, stay safe, Bucky. Be careful in Italy if that is actually where you're going. Or where you are, I suppose. You're probably there already given how long your letter took to get here and how long it will be before you get this one.

Mom sends her love, as does Jack.

I miss you, Bucky. It's so very boring without you, Steve and Danny here with us.

Lots of love,

Beatrice.

A/N: Thanks for reading! 

Don't forget to vote and comment! :)