Return to Sender

“Well, this is interesting,” Joe commented as he closed the door.
Stella looked up from her book with a curious frown. “What is?”
“This letter says ‘Return to Sender’ but it’s postmarked from 1944. And this letter is completely trashed.” He answered as he moved to sit beside her. Stella took the envelope and gazed at it with fascination.
Joe’s assessment of ‘trashed’ was almost an understatement. The flap was barely holding the ragged, dirty, and wrinkled envelope closed. The writing, while beautiful penmanship, was barely legible through the grime and its fading. Stella squinted as she tried to decipher the words.
“It was sent to Jarred Keye overseas to… some military base – I can’t really read that part of the address. From Helene… looks like… Morgan, I think.” Stella struggled. Joe leaned closer, resting his chin on her shoulder.
“Yeah, that’s not readable but it looks like maybe Dorset, England. Was there a US military base in England during World War II?”
“Maybe? I don’t know the history of the military from that era.”
“Me either.”
“Do you suppose this is the same Helene who sold us this house?” Stella asked a moment later.
“Could be. That’s not a really common name. If it was then she didn’t marry Mr. Keye.”
“Or she did but outlived or divorced him and remarried.”
“Or that. Didn’t she pass away not too long ago?”
“She did. And, remember, she said she’d hoped to pass the house to her family but had none left so selling it was her only option.”
“I do remember that.” Joe sighed. “It broke my heart.”
“Mine too. Then to die all along too. Ugh.”
“I know.”
The couple fell silent for a long moment then Stella looked sidelong at Joe, who was still leaning against her.
“Do you think she’d mind if we read the letter?” Stella murmured.
“Is she going to know? And it’s not like there’s anyone who’d want the letter as a family heirloom.” Joe countered reasonably.
“True. Should we?”
“Do it.”
Stella carefully broke the last remnants of the seal on the envelope flap and extracted the letter within.

My Dearest Jarred,
I hope this letter finds you in better spirits and less pain. I was devastated to hear that you’d been injured. Everyone here is praying that you’ll have a full recovery and be home soon.
I have a confession, dear Jarred. A week ago, Monday, I married your cousin, Gerald. I know this is very unexpected and I’m sorry we didn’t tell you before the wedding. We wanted to tell you but you got your draft notice and were shipping out. It didn’t feel like the right time. When you kissed me just before leaving that day, I was so surprised. I didn’t know you had feelings for me and I would never have led you on knowing that my heart was thoroughly Gerald’s. I hope that one day you’ll be able to forgive us for not telling you of our plans before you left.
Gerald and I spent a week on our honeymoon then returned home where he’s working for his father. I’m sure if he hadn’t almost died from polio, he’d have been sent overseas too. I work in a factory, doing what I can for the war effort. It doesn’t feel like I’m doing much, but I like to think that every little bit helps.
Everyone sends their love.
Helene.

Stella gaped at the letter while Joe finished reading. When he finished, Stella carefully folded the letter and tucked it into the envelope.
“I bet it was the same woman,” Joe commented after a long moment.
“Probably. And broke Jarred’s heart from the sounds of it.”
“But this wasn’t opened. It was returned. You don’t suppose someone else told Jarred of his cousin marrying the girl he’d kissed before getting shipped off to war, do you?”
“Maybe. But without finding Jarred or someone who knew these people, how would we know?”
“Can you imagine leaving home to go to war and telling the girl you love your feelings only to have her marry your cousin?”
“I know. It sounds so cruel especially if he was finding out after getting injured.” Stella sighed. “It kind of makes you wonder just how long Jarred was overseas before Helene and Gerald married.”
Joe nodded as he stood. “Shall we get some lunch?”
“Sure.” Stella replied, tucking the letter into her book to mark her place.

word count: 744