August 7, 1944

IOWA CITY, IOWA

Dear Glory,

This war is intensifying, and our world sits atop the roller coaster again, hoping this time to free-fall into peace. It’s going to be a hard landing, though. Cherbourg, Saipan, Florence—I can feel the push and pull all the way in Iowa. Does it infiltrate everything? Are all of our lives becoming about surrender and liberation? Is that how it works?

It appears so, at least for us.

Robert has surrendered. So Levi is then liberated. But where does that leave them? Where does it leave you?

Levi will not be angry for long. He loves you too much. Do you still have tender feelings for him? He will deserve gentle treatment, because in many ways you are asking him to surrender. Would you be able to give up your chance at love without a fight? This situation is a lot for a man—even a man like Levi—to take.

Also, please be understanding of Robert’s frame of mind. It’s only been two months since he was wounded. That is not sufficient time to adjust to this new life. He sits in a hospital bed, in a room with other men whose lives are irrevocably changed. Every one of them can’t help but think of the world as a very different place, so it’s natural he’d devise new rules for dealing with it. You must acknowledge his offer to Levi as being rooted in desperation, and admire the selflessness of the idea.

But...I think I know what’s in your heart. Worry. Guilt. Sorrow.

Put them to the side for now. Let things settle. Let Robert come home and the children reacquaint themselves with their father. Let Levi and Robert come to terms with their feelings while looking each other in the eye. As this is going on, go into that sunflower room and shut the door. Think. Think hard. How can you make this new life work? Is it necessary to wound Robert yet again to clear your conscience? Or, do you dishonor him by withholding the truth? These questions must be answered from the place in your heart that no one has access to, because then you’ll know the answers come directly from who you really are. If they may make you uncomfortable, or hate yourself a little, you’ll know you’re finally getting at the truth.

Love,

Rita

P.S. Robert’s legs will be compromised, then, like our dear president? If accommodations must be made, such as building a wooden ramp to the outdoors, I think it’s a good idea if you help construct it. (Unless Levi is doing the building. If that is the case, then proceed with caution.) I’m being bossy, as usual, but I think the exercise will help you to understand the magnitude of what you are undertaking, and the enormity of Robert’s sacrifice. You once told me about the differences between active and passive individuals. I’d like to add another to the list—active people understand that the mind heals faster when the hands are occupied. Build. Garden. Write.

P.P.S. After I post this I’m going to pack for tomorrow’s trip to Kansas City. Roylene is nearly beside herself with excitement, her slim body vibrating like a tuning fork. The fine bracelet you sent arrived just the other day, much to our collective shock. It’s a stunner, hon. Roylene can’t stop admiring it. Thank you ever so much for your generosity. I’ll write soon with details of the big day.