She was always beautiful. That long brown hair and her stunning brown eyes. I was so very much in love with her, but, i dont think she ever had love for me like that. I had hoped, even prayed that she would. I would have given her anything, everything to make her happy, to keep her happy. Maybe its selfish ambition that i would say that, or maybe just undying love. I never really found out.

She cried when i left for this godforbidden dust storm. I had just a few short days to be at home, before i would have to ship out. She spent everyday crying curled up against me. She told me nothing was allowed to happen to me but honestly, i had this feeling in the pit of my stomach that made me feel like i wasnt going to see this place again. But i couldnt tell her that. That final night, as i was dressed in uniform to leave, she threw her arms around me and begged me not to go. I cupped her face in my hands and kissed her, and i told her i would come home to her. I meant it in love, but im not sure what she thought of it.

101 days, in this place have made me hate the heat, The dust and patrols, the gunfire and the lonliness. I feel so far from her arms, even if she wasnt in love with me, in her arms i felt safe. I wonder if she thinks of me, and wonder if she'll ever return those feelings of love that i have for her. I stare up at the sky and pray shes looking up too.

The feeling of despair hurts me... i feel as if things are getting worse, even though things have been fairly safe here. Theres a patrol scheduled for later today, and i fear that its going to be my last.

Ive written this as a way to plead for her love, that even in death she might remember my undying love for her, that no matter where i am, or where i go, im so very much in love with her...

Whoever finds this, please, make sure she knows that i died for her, for her safety.

Corporal Benjamin Franks
United States Marine Corps
3rd Battalion 6th Marines
II Marine Expeditionary Force
Camp Lejeune, North Carolina